Have Assignment, Will Write

Create a Home Office for the New Year

2012-01-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

Since so many people are out of work, indeed, some have stopped looking, it might be time to start a home-based business. Or are you looking to do something a little extra to pull in some extra cash? Either way, you can remodel a garage into a home office.

I know of whence I speak, because I did just that myself a few years ago. I decided to shift into freelance writing full-time. It has been so good to me that last year I decided to empower others to do the same thing.

Write Articles for Extra Income

I already had one healthy money-making site, I Can Fix Up My Home, and I set up another, The Green Frugal to capture another niche market. If you can write and have a level of expertise in either home improvement/woodworking or green/money-saving topics, contact me at admin@icanfixupmyhome.com or admin@the-green-frugal.com.

The revenue model is simple; you use your own Google Adsense or Chitika code on your articles and keep all the income it generates. Unlike other sites, you don't share any of that revenue with the site. Ka-ching!

You Need a Home Office

But back to your home office. First, it offers tax advantages since a portion of your taxes are deductible. Secondly, you really do need a separate space. This will help you to psychologically shift into work mode and get away from distractions.

Yes, you will spend some money setting up your workspace. But again, business tax deductions are wonderful things. Don't skimp on a comfortable chair. Be sure you plan carefully when adding light to your home office.

The bottom line? Be sure you create a comfortable space — you'll be spending a spending a lot of time in there.

Protect Yourself When Hiring a Contractor

2011-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

While operating a small home remodeling company, I can't tell you how many times I've been called, submitted a bid, got turned down, and then got called back to fix the mess that the "low bid guy" left behind.

It's not just me; it's all too common. Ask any legitimate tailgate carpenter or handyman. It is natural that people will seek out a bargain (just look at the whole Black Friday thing), but there are times in life when you should not be cutting corners.

Are you considering a home improvement project? Take some advice here from a pro. Learn how to find and evaluate contractor bids.

We have a huge problem here in my area with two "problem children" home improvement contractors. First, the illegal alien community who can wield a hammer, but you don't want him installing crown molding in your living room.

The second problem child is the "storm chaser" types. This is hurricane territory so when a calamity happens, there is a LOT of work needing to be done. These guys roam the gulf states picking up the pieces.

I'm not saying they are all bad craftsmen because they are not. There are some superb journeymen (or women) out there. The problems are that they don't have an anchor company that can honor a warrantee and if something goes wrong down the road, you're hosed.

Just saying, beware and protect yourself.

Maintain and Clean Vinyl and Aluminum Siding

2011-11-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

This is always a good time of year to maintain and clean vinyl siding. Well, for most of us anyway. It's too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Vinyl and aluminum are popular siding replacements for traditional wood siding like shiplap and paneling style. Wood, unfortunately is susceptible to pests such as termites, and weather conditions, such as frost, rain, and high winds.

Aluminum and vinyl should be cleaned on a yearly basis at the minimum, and more often under extreme conditions. The good news is that it rarely needs painting, although it can be done.

The two best methods of cleaning this durable material is pressure washing and brushing. Sometimes one method will be sufficient; other times, a combination of the two is the best choice.

Expand Your Woodshop with a Router Table

2011-11-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

When most DIY folks think of the one indispensable power tool in the shop, it's (surprise, surprise) the tablesaw. True enough, but a close second is the router table.

In fact, once you get one, you'll be surprised and wonder how you got along without it. The problem is that it can take up valuable space in smaller shops. I solved this problem by building one with a small footprint.

Want to build one yourself? I've posted my compact router table plans, complete with pictures, for your convenience.

This is easily a one day project, and better still, it won't set you back that much cash. Especially compared to how much a prefab one costs. I bought the actual tabletop from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.

Can you build this component yourself as well? Sure, but I wouldn't recommend it. For the money you would spend and the amount of work that would go into it, it's better to buy one that's as well-built and affordable as this one is.

Besides, you would still need to buy the fence, mounting plate, etc. Interested in some more projects? here are a few:
Build a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Build a New Headboard
Make a PVC Flagpole

Recipe Ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner

2011-11-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, once again the holiday season has snuck up on us. Either time is speeding up, the universe is expanding more rapidly, or (shudder), I'm getting older. You decide.

Anyway, that means food and merriment and lots of it! I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I like all kinds of chow in addition to the traditional turkey, ham, and potato salad. I thought that I would share some of my favorite recipes with you.

So yes, you might not think of some of my choices here as "regular" holiday fare, but sometimes it pays to be a bit adventurous. And anyway, they are "regular" somewhere.

I strongly encourage you to step out of the box here and give some of these a try:

Spicy Baked Habanero Chicken
Organic Apple Sauce
Johnny Mazetti (A Panama Canal Zone Favorite)
Whole Wheat High-Fiber Pizza Crust
Hummus-Inspired Spinach Dip
Low Sodium Chunky Salsa
Panamanian-Style Beef Empanadas

Great Interior Decorating Ideas

2011-10-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

The truth of the matter is that I'm a hammer and nail/nuts and bolts kind of guy. The fashion side of thing is really out of my league; unless I'm designing a new woodworking project.

Interior Decorators Provide Good Advice

Needless to say, this was reflected in the articles I posted on my home improvement site for the first few years of its life. That all changed early last year when couple interior decorators started contributing articles.

I created a subsection on the "Interior" topic page. Now it's loaded with high-quality content. The range of topics is quite varied, from decorating children's rooms by creating superhero wall hangings to using paint illusions to enlarge a room.

Save Money in a Down Economy

We're all fairly strapped for cash today. People that still have jobs worry about conserving capital "just in case". Job lay-offs don't show any signs of slowing down any time soon.

Frankly, I don't think any of this has any chance of improving much until we off-load the current administration during the next election cycle. I'm not trying to be partisan here.

No, it's just that all the wrong fiscal decisions are being made. Here in Houston there are a lot of energy-related companies as well as one of the largest ports in the country.

Nobody is going to ramp up hiring much with the uncertainty about the tax situation. And with all the new EPA regulations, industry is not going to expand. It can't.

With that in mind, most of the information in these articles doesn't call for a huge outlay of cash; very green and frugal actually. Really, you don't even have to have much experience, the instructions are so to-the-point.

You can locate all this great content on the interior DIY projects page. Just scroll down about halfway to the Interior Decorating subsection. If the info helps you, please leave some feedback in this blog's comment section.

Top Hot Water Heater Maintenance and Repair Tips

2011-10-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

If you live in an area with hard water and don't use a water softener, chances are good that your water heater will slowly build up a "honeycomb" of mineral deposits, robbing you of internal tank volume.

Other issues can plague you as well - electrical problems, heating elements gone bad, and more. To find out how you can protect your investment, go here to read up on the best water heater repair tips.

Most of these maintenance and repair tasks you can do yourself. The only time when you might need to call in specialists is when you need a licensed service, like permitted electrical repairs or natural gas service.

Now that we are going through a seasonal change, it is prime time for going through your maintenance checklist. Go for it.

Related Information:

Time to Think About a Fall Organic Garden

2011-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's still hot out there, sweltering actually, but it's not too early to at least begin planning a fall garden. My spring garden did very well. I'm still getting some tomatoes and brussel sprouts.

This is the second year I've had a completely 100% organic vegetable garden. It really makes a difference. Better tasting food, bigger yields, less watering, more nutrition. What's not to like?

The key is the soil. With the correct amendments and fertilizers, the rest seems to take care of itself. To the soil I tilled in some organic compost along with some dried molasses. The molasses is basically a starch that feeds the micro organisms.

Every couple of weeks I use a pump-up sprayer to do a foliar feeding with Garrett juice. It is very important to fertilize both above and below the soil.

I was lucky not to get too many garden pests, most of which is attributable to the organic program encouraging and multiplying the beneficial insects; garden police if you will.

It's easy to control the bad bugs with homemade garlic pepper spray. To make this, use a blender to combine a head of garlic, a habenero pepper (or Scotch bonnet), and about 12 ounces of water. Strain the mixture and apply with a handheld sprayer.

There are two advantages to using garlic pepper spray over a chemical solution. First, it's not a neurotoxin. Who willingly puts poison on their food? Secondly, it costs almost nothing.

Now I'm off to harvest some tomatoes and make some plans!

Easy Plans for Storing Kayaks

2010-04-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've been faced with a dilemma. I needed a convenient way to store my Heritage Redfish fishing kayak. My 2-car garage is out of the question because it's my wood shop. I had been storing it out back, hanging from the side of my shed. But what a hassle getting it out front.

I didn't want to spend a ton 'o money because of my cheap, uh, I mean frugal, nature. So I pondered the matter for a few days and came up with a very workable, inexpensive, and secure plan.

I tend to do that with all my woodworking projects. I hate it when I search the web for plans and find a lot of "For just $19.95, you can download this PDF plan." That's why I'm providing this to you for free. True. Go here to read the canoe or kayak rack plan with detailed pictures.

The expense for the entire project was about $30, not including the tarp, bungee cords, security cable, and padlock, which I already had.

One of the best things about it is that it's right next to my truck; so when the mood to drag out the fly rod and go fishing in the bay strikes me, I don't have to waste any time. Ah yes, the life of a work-from-home freelance writer and webmaster. It's a good thing.

Here's what went down when my lovely wife came home from work the day I built the rack:
Wife: "OMG! You're not going to leave that thing in the front yard, are you!?"
Me: "Yup."

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Prepare with the Best Remodeling Tips

2010-03-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Springtime and income tax returns mean many things, but one of them is this - this is typically when home remodeling and repair begin to spike. And whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor or handyman, forewarned is forearmed. You need a plan.

Even if you will be doing the work yourself, you'll need a licensed tradesman for some tasks. When? Many electrical tasks need one. The same for plumbing and HVAC. Other than that it really depends on your local building code, so just be sure to check.

Finding a reliable contractor that does quality work and finishes on schedule is extremely important on renovation projects. Not only will you be ponying up a lot of cash, you'll have to live with the results.

The BBB can provide some good data, and you can spend a lot of time checking references, doing background checks, verifying licenses and insurance and bonding, or you can check out Angie’s List - to find thousands of unbiased ratings and reviews on service companies in your area, join Angie’s List today. It sure beats playing "Yellow Pages Roulette".

Your remodeling project will take a lot of planning and forethought to be pain free. Guilty as charged here; I'm embarrassed to tell you how many times I've gone back to Home Depot for something I forgot. Ooops!

I've developed a checklist for success that I've developed over the years as a contractor. To read it, check out the article I posted yesterday, The Best Remodeling Tips Revealed. There's a lot of info so I invite you to print it out for reference.

You might also want to read:

Chilean Earthquake Helps solve Global Warming

2010-03-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

They say there's a silver lining to every cloud. I'm not an atmospheric expert like Al Gore, but I'm fairly sure the recent earthquake in Chile may provide some relief to the onerous global warming problem, especially if NASA can be believed. And they can be; I used to be a rocket scientist at JSC.
Bloomberg.com reports that, "The earthquake that killed more than 700 people in Chile on Feb. 27 probably shifted the Earth’s axis and shortened the day, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientist said."

“The length of the day should have gotten shorter by 1.26 microseconds (millionths of a second),” Richard Gross, a geophysicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said today in an e-mailed reply to questions. “The axis about which the Earth’s mass is balanced should have moved by 2.7 milliarcseconds (about 8 centimeters or 3 inches).”

Even when I took calculus-based physics in college I didn't learn what the heck a milliarcsecond is, but the bottom line is this - a shorter day means less sunlight, thus, less global warming. Good news for those cute polar bears that Gore trots out.

Bloomberg goes on to say that Santa Maria Island, off the coast near Concepcion, Chile’s second-largest city, may have been raised 2 meters (6 feet) as a result of the latest quake." Well, I guess that means there will be a place to go when coastal cities subside, like in Gore's science fiction films.

Bottom line? This post was written to be tongue in cheek, so please, no hate mail from members of the Holy Church of Climate Change Kool-Aid Drinkers like last time. You know who you are. Geeze.

Other articles you might enjoy:

Prepare Your Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

2010-02-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Springtime! Oh, not for you? Well OK, I exaggerate. It's in the mid 50s here today. Go ahead and castigate me if you must. That's castigate, not castrate.

So it's too early to be sowing organic veggie crops, but it's not too early to be getting ready. I posted an article on building a raised bed vegetable garden last year and I'm fairly sure I wrote a blog entry as well.

That article reaped a lot of hits then, slumped in the late summer/fall, but it's even more popular now since that groundhog Phil looked for his shadow. It's been steadily moving up the charts. In fact, yesterday it came in at number 10 out of 280 articles with 770 page views. Not altogether too shabby.

I've learned some things from readers via their comments. Who knew you should put wire mesh at the bottom of the garden bed to keep groundhogs out? I didn't; we don't have them here. We've got mosquitoes. Sorry Phil.

So being too early to plant, it's not too early to either build the raised bed, or for an existing one, prepare the garden soil with soil amendments. If you haven't already done so, start a compost pile for next year's preparation.

Related and fascinating articles:

Michelle Obama's White House Garden (it's the first time in her life she's been proud of physical labor ;-)
Plant Herb to Control Vegetable Garden Pests
Grow Your Own Asparagus to Save Money

Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

OK guys, it's that time of year again. No, not the Superbowl; that's over, get over it already. Your team lost anyway. No, what I'm talking about here is Valentine's Day. That means being nice to your sweetie and showing her you appreciate her.

Flowers are good and chocolates will get you a smile, but jewelry will seal the deal. Flowers will wilt and candy will make its way through her digestive tract, but imagine how special she'll feel every time she straps on that pearl necklace that you bought her.

From what I've been told, diamonds are a girl's best friend. I admit that I've never understood the concept but I'm thinking that's a genetic thing. Personally, I think that pearl earrings look more stylin'.

If you go with that, you might as well add a matching pearl bracelet. Not only is this kind of jewelry easier on the wallet than diamonds, but pearls are, yes, a renewable resource. They are created inside mollusks like oysters. When a grain of sand gets into the shell, the critter protects itself by covering it with layers of calcium carbonate. And viola! The jewel is born!

Oddly enough, this doesn't only happen with mollusks. Several years ago when I had an annual physical, the chest x ray revealed a "calcified nodule" in one of my lungs. So they did a cat scan to get a better picture; to make sure it wasn't cancer.

Sure enough, it was something that I must have inhaled at some point and my body responded by coating the dang thing. Strange but true! OK, that one's not up for sale, on eBay or anywhere else, so don't bother asking. I'm just glad that NObama wasn't in charge of my medical plan...

But for the fashionable ones, there are both freshwater and saltwater versions available and they even come in darker colors than the standard white. So go ahead, make your life happier by taking care of your sweetie!

Eye Floaters and Your Vision

2010-02-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

Getting older brings all kinds of life changes. Some are serious and some are merely an irritation. Some are both, like belly fat; that spare tire. Others are eye floaters.

Eye floaters are usually one of those later-in-life unpleasantries but they can really show up at any age. For example, I noticed them in my late teens. Why so early? I suspect it might have had something to do with a mishap I had with a coffee pot as a baby.

I somehow managed to grab the electrical cord of a coffee percolator (the predecessor to modern drip coffee pots for all you young whippersnappers). They tell me the scalding liquid went all over me, including my face, although the only evidence today is a burn scar on about 50 % of my right arm.

This eye condition is also called vitreous floaters because it's rather simple - what you see are the shadows of debris like damaged tissue or bits of blood vessels floating lazily in the vitreous. This is the gel-like liquid that fills the eyeball.

The progression happens because when we're born, the vitreous is completely gel-like. As we age, the center of the eye becomes more of a liquid state. This change brings with it a bit of degradation.

My eye doctor offers an add-on service to my annual check-up. It's kind of a detailed close-up photo of the interior of the eye. This way, since I get it done every year, he can make a comparative analysis each year and spot potential trouble. Well worth the $20 or so that it costs.

Having this condition doesn't mean you're in any risk of going blind, any more than indulging in that other habit that teenage boys are warned about. But if you see a sudden shower of floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light, bad things might be going on and you need an ophthalmologist quick, fast, and in a hurry.

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Use a Pigtail Connection to Extend Electrical Wire

2010-01-24T12:34:00.001-08:00

Many times when working on a electrical project, a piece of wire just isn't long enough. Try to strip off some insulation and accidentally cut through the copper? Oops! Stuff happens. Don't despair though; a pigtail connection will save the day. Here's how.

You'll need 2 wire nuts and a short piece of wire to act as a splice. The National Electric Code requires that you have a minimum of six inches of wire. Also, it should be the same gauge as the 2 wires to be spliced and rated for the circuit amperage as the one you're working on.

Be sure that about 3/4" of insulation is stripped off all 4 wire ends. Next, twist the end of one wire to one end of the splice wire. Screw on one of the wire nuts. Follow the same steps with the other wire and the other end of the splice.

Done!

You'll also want to read:
How to Replace an Electric Light Switch
Map Residential Electrical Circuits
Typical Electrical Building Codes

Active and Passive Solar Water Heaters

2010-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was reading not long ago that conventional residential water heaters use 14% - 30% of the home's total energy. Quite a variation, but I guess that is dependent on family size and how clean they keep themselves.

Of course, the obvious solution is a tankless water heater, but as it turns out, you can use a solar water heater to feed a tankless or on-demand water heater, reducing power consumption even more.

So what's the difference between active and passive? Basically, active is a more complex mechanism and does better in regions that get a lot of hard freezes. Passive models are more on the low maintenance scale.

Solar energy technology was supposed to be a big focus of the Obama agenda, but I haven't seen it yet. And oddly, solar water heaters don't qualify for the energy tax credit, but oil, gas, propane, and electric ones do. Oh well, it just goes to show; there's no Czar of Logic in Washington!

Confession: I Heart Drywall

2010-01-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true; I love drywall, or Sheetrock, if you will. In fact, I used to hang it for a living, as well as taping and floating, framing, and installing acoustical ceilings. The only time I didn't particularly care for drywall was when I was an apprentice. All us peons got to do was stocking jobs.

Hanging drywall isn't exactly an art form; that's where finishing comes in. But there are are a lot of tricks involved in a production environment. Like marking a line on a sheet with a pencil and a tape measure. A true pro has a callus on the first knuckle of the index finger.

Back in the day we didn't use a RotoZip to cut out for electrical boxes. Just mark the sheet, score the paper on the finish side with a utility knife, score a larger circle on the back, and Whack! Out it came with a slam of the hammer.

Another trick was like judo; you use the weight of the sheet work to your advantage. That was you don't struggle and work yourself to death.

About the only thing I didn't like was hanging lids. We didn't have panel lifts, so it was a case of holding the sheet up with your head while wielding a screw gun with your hand.

And another important lesson is that if your work was sloppy, the finisher would make your life very, very hard...

When Will Obama Stop Blaming Bush?

2009-12-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

It's now a year since Obama has been in office. He gave himself a fairly good grade. What was it, a B+, right? Wow, maybe he should reconsider, yes? OK, I'll admit I didn't vote for him, but when he was elected I took the high road and decided to give him 12 months and then evaluate him. That's fair, yes?

But since that year has passed, I'll do my evaluation. I'll give him a D-. Let me tell you why. First, he won't take responsibility for anything. Nothing presidential or even manly about that. Everything is still Bush's fault. OK, for the first couple of months he can say that, but still? It's time to man up.

Under his watch we've had 2 terrorist attacks on our soil. But again, not his fault. His administration won't even call them terrorists, they're just folks with "extremist viewpoints." And heaven forbid we use the "M" word. But authorities had full knowledge of both the Fort Hood extremist and the Christmas day panty-bomber.

The former was very vocal about condemnations of Jews and Christians alike. Yet he was allowed to keep his position. The panty-bomber was on a watch list after his own father alerted the CIA, yet he was allowed to fly to the US.

He bows to foreign leaders. What's up with that? Again, not presidential. Sort of pathetic actually. Behavior that could only be topped by doing something like giving the Queen of England an iPod with his speeches on it. Oh wait, he did that.

Obama's administration has shown a decided lack of leadership in general and with regards to Iran and North Korea in particular. I'm still wondering what became of all the war protesters. You would think they would be fuming. After all, one of the ways he earned their votes was the promise to bring the troops home. Yet the war has expanded.

The economy is in worse shape than ever. Bush's fault. Yet rather than take action to generate jobs, the administration's full focus has been on health care reform. The country needs economic leadership, not a legacy pursuit.

As we usher in 2010, we can only hope for brighter horizons. Just don't take any wooden nickels, folks.

Finding a Remodeling Contractor

2009-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

A lot of homeowners are gearing up to have a home improvement project done in the near future. There are reasons for this:

Everyone's getting ready to file tax returns and bring home those big bucks.
The housing bubble bust is keeping homeowners where they are; they're not moving.
Yes, "young adults" are re-nesting and moving back in with mom and dad since they can't afford to live away, have to repay college loans, or have been laid off because of the sluggish economy.

Folks that are looking to hire a contractor have to be careful. There are a lot of fly-by-night operators in this field. After Hurricanes Ike and Katrina, many people learned what the term "storm chasers" means.

These folks are not local contractors but they travel from state to state following the homeowners insurance checks. In many cases they're reputable, but in others, not.

The trick is to vet any service professional before you hire them. Beware of companies that change DBA names every few years to lower insurance costs. This happens more often than most people realize.

Remember, it it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Let the buyer beware.

Metal Stud Framing Simplifies Construction

2009-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

I spent many years as a commercial carpenter, and would probably still be doing so if the government would enforce the immigration rules that are on the books. But no; anyone who can sneak across the border can secure a construction job in Texas, Louisiana, or California, or anywhere else without providing proof of citizenship. Often these are federally-funded jobs.

But when I was a commercial carpenter, a lot of what I did was metal framing and hanging and finishing drywall. I loved that build-out work. Especially framing with metal studs. Many tasks are simplified, like creating arched doorways and case openings.

Metal framing is also better on the environment than stick framing, if you're into that whole save-the-planet thing.

Oh, I agree with taking care of the planet, but I've been around long enough to know that this is a trendy movement, much as the "Late, Great Planet Earth" book was, or the population explosion that never happened. Give me a super-sized break!

But, back to metal framing. Wood is frequently warped, and when you order a load of studs for a bigger project, you have to take what you get. Not like smaller things where you can go to Home Depot and hand-select each stud.

That's why drywall is hung differently on residential project than on commercial ones. Residential? The sheets lay down. Commercial? The sheets stand up. It all depends on making that joint on the long side where it splits the stud.

Steel stud framing goes together easier as well. Forget toe-nailing; just zip in a framing screw. On heavy-gauge studs and track use self-tapping screws; on interior partition studs, use the little pointy ones that make you say, "Ouch!"

Metal studs also have "keyways" that make it easy to run Romex, PEX, or conduit. No more drilling through wooden studs at an awkward angle. So yes, I would go for metal stud framing over stick framing almost every time.

Goodbye Christmas, Hello New Year!

2009-12-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe another year is shot all to hell. Again. It was fast but good. Luckily, the whole real estate implosion didn't impact us here in South Texas as bad as it did for some areas of the country. There's something to be said about living in the Houston area.

Texas is Still Energy Friendly

For one thing, it's the energy capital of the country. As bad as King Obama wants us to power our homes on solar power panels and bat guano, it ain't gonna happen overnight. So there's that. Energy related businesses are uprooting and moving here because Texas is business friendly and has no state income tax.

Then there's the Houston Medical Center. If you ever get sick, this is the place to be; it's like a city unto itself. When I worked at the Marriott Medical Center, I saw a steady stream of patients from countries with "socialized medicine" come here to have their ills treated. Well, the ones with money anyway, not the average Joe or Jane.

The Med Center not only brings a lot of money and jobs to Houston, but also to every other area of the country that's involved with "Big Pharma". That's a huge supply chain, but don't count on it to continue when we switch over to the dark side with nationalized health care. How's that hope and change workin' out for ya, America?

More Jobs in My Back Yard

Houston is also one of the largest ports in the country. The Houston ship channel leads up to it from the gulf. Chemical plants and refineries garnish the port and surrounding area like pearls on a necklace. California still cries, "Not in my back yard!" That's OK, you can buy it from us. At least we've got jobs.

So, yeah, 2009 has been a good year. What will 2010 bring? I'll start it off with the Houston Marathon in January. I hope to spend even more time volunteering for my daughter's middle school orchestra. (She plays a mean violin!)

Troubleshoot and Repair Electric Range, Oven

2009-12-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

I received a frantic email from a reader on Thanksgiving Day. It was from a lady whose oven had stopped working. It turns out that it was just the bottom oven heating element that had gone south.

That one is an easy fix since most heating elements are plug and play. That's the good news. The bad news is that I doubt she could find one on Thanksgiving Day in time to cook Big Bird. Also, they can be hard to find sometimes since there are so many models. The search box below is the one I use to find hard to find replacement appliance parts.
As long as you have a few basic tools, it's actually easy to troubleshoot an electric range. Of course, there's the electricity to beware of (that's my disclaimer) but other than that, it's fairly straightforward.

I've got a Maytag oven myself. I bought it when Maytag was it's own company and they still made quality appliances. They make shabby goods now and forget about getting service in a timely manner. Oh Maytag repair man, where have you gone?

Other appliances are a bit more complex. Refrigerator troubleshooting, for example, involves compressors and refrigerant. Some of this work requires a license. But there are still many things a homeowner can repair.

The bottom line is that it sometimes pays off and saves money to try to repair appliances yourself.

Don't be Like Tiger Woods

2009-12-09T04:51:00.000-08:00

The news has been crazy about Tiger Woods' infidelity "issues". So what is it, just too tempting since he has all the bucks and these bimbos have a way at putting themselves in his path? I mean, it's not that his wife is hard to look at.

Could it be the Bill Clinton Syndrome?

This is my theory. Sure, the money and social life have a lot to do with it, but I think it's more about what I call the Bill Clinton Syndrome (BCS). It all circles around one key concept, like a pack of vultures descending on some random carrion.

What drives many politicians, sports stars, and yo-yo rappers isn't fundamentally the money, it's a power/conquest thing. It carries on it's shoulders an additional burden that grows with the power - the belief in invulnerability.

To Be Rich and Bulletproof

Why else would President Bill Clinton use an intern for a human humidor in the White House and then smirk as he perjured himself? (Now, how was it you define the word "is" in Arkansas again, Bill?) Why else would that bastion or morality, Senator Barney Frank, let his boyfriend use their love-nest apartment as an office for a gay escort service? Did they really think they would get away with it? Yes, yes, and yes.

So I don't think Tiger Woods is any different. It was all about the conquest, even if they were all bimbo gold-diggers. Conquest on the links and between the sheets. How could he think he wouldn't get busted? Hello?

Avoid the BCS and be Happy

Sounds simple, eh? It really is for most of us. Go ahead and chase the bucks. I'm all over that. Just use commonsense and avoid the bimbos, or the boy-toys if you're a woman. And never ever be an Elmer Fudd sounding Senator who hooks up with a boyfriend who runs a gay bordello. Never.

Interested in home improvement and woodworking?

Wear Your Sense of Humor on Your Sleeve

2009-11-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

Or on your front or back... The fact of the matter is that funny t shirts are not just funny; they're trendy! Long gone are the days when t shirts were just for working out or changing the oil in the car.

Today, they're all about making a statement and maybe pushing someone's buttons while you're at it. I look forward to every political season because that seems to be when some witty entrepreneurs of the world of t shirts really shine.

It doesn't matter which side of the political fence you sit on, or even if you straddle it. But the t shirt industry is bigger and more competitive than ever because cash is tight all over. Go with a company like 2008tshirts.com; with over 400 designs, they've got something for everyone.

Yep, even your grandma... Thanks to my sponsor, 2008tshirts.com; and that's no joke!

Be Prepared for Home Fires this Winter

2009-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

It's a sad fact of life; every winter needless deaths and burned up homes happen. Why? Because we heat our homes. Heating systems that lay dormant for half to three quarters of a year don't always fire up in the same operating condition they were left in last spring.

24-7HomeWarranty.com Appliance and Home System Repair Warranties! Click here!

How many homeowners get a heating system tune-up in the fall? Not many. That's usually seen as an unwanted household expense until some malfunction rears its ugly head. So in reality, one of the best weapons in the fight against immolation is preparation.

Arm the Home with Fire Extinguishers

Believe me; fire extinguishers are cheap. Home Depot practically gives them away. There is no excuse for not having one in the kitchen in case of grease fires or electrical fires.

Be sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it. It's a good idea to buy several throw-aways and have a family practice session. Remember, aim low and sweep. That's the ticket.

Install Home Fire Sprinkler Systems

Sprinklers are most often found in commercial buildings, but they can be a life saver in homes as well. Particularly at night when the family is slumbering and when no one is at home and the odd electrical fire breaks out.

Think about installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. Almost all insurance companies will give you a break on your homeowners insurance policy premiums.

Have a Family Escape Plan

This is stressed when kids are in elementary school and there are just a few basic rules.

Go out windows as appropriate.
Touch doors to feel for heat before opening.
Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation.
Establish a family meeting area to run to off-property.
Know 911.

Keep all this in mind and you'll be the safer for it.

Spreety TV Offers Free Entertainment

2009-11-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

I recently checked out Spreety TV thinking there might be a catch but I certainly didn't find one. This is a completely legal site for watching shows; almost anything you could desire to watch.

Myself, I'm a sucker for the 50s shows. Especially the westerns and the sci-fi shows when they really had to really do their own props and stunts rather than work everything up on a computer. And it's Free TV Online!

Of course, it's a good thing I'm a stern taskmaster of myself, since I work freelance from home on my computer, which just happens to have cutting edge media features. Self discipline? You bet! I think.

Hang on, there's another episode of The Outer Limits. "There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling the transmission..."

Of course, I realize that what pumps me up might leave you a bit on the deflated side. But from the exploration I've done, it looks like there's something for everybody. Go on; it's free. And addicting...

This post has been sponsored by Spreety TV.

Wall Sconces Add a Classy Lighting Touch

2009-11-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Cookie cutter homes are rather straightforward and boring. That's the bad part. The good part is that it leaves the door open for customization. The stark white walls beg for color, the carpet's got to go, and the lighting needs to be individualized

I'm fond of wall sconces because they blend in and stand out all at the same time. Recently I was checking some at Premier Lighting and really found a lot that would look good in my home when I remodel the living room.

I was particularly taken with the Calavera Two Light Bath Bar. I know it says bath, but about four would go great in my living room plan. Since it uses two lights, it's possible to use smaller wattage bulbs but still cast light to a wide area for accent. Awesome.

The trickiest part of installing sconces is running the wiring. A lot of people work themselves to death getting the job done. So how is it done? Simple; use a fish tape to draw the wires down between the wall studs through a hole that the fixture will conceal. There you go; now you've got my secret!

Many thanks to my sponsor, shoppremier.com.

The Maturing of the Age of Information

2009-11-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

I was helping a 6th grader the other day with research methods for a school science project and presentation. Things have certainly changed since the days when I was wallowing in the education system.

Back in the day (boy, that ages me), we went to the library, used the Dewey Decimal System to locate appropriate reference material, read the information, and recorded it all on a pile of index cards. Not so today.

Fortunately, my background in IT and the research skills I've developed as a Freelance Writer have kept me up to date. It's all on the internet. And tracking sources down has nothing to do with pawing through vast card catalogs only to find that the book desperately needed is checked out by someone.

Google and other search engines made life easier by returning applicable articles, but some clever people have taken it one step further. Their search engines return links to actual scanned books, often in pdf format, so it actually looks like the original. For example, this pdf search provides a search engine that works like Google to serve up the goods.

So it's come full circle with digital research. Well, without the trip to the library which saves driving time and using gasoline. Now, can I claim carbon credits for that? I guess I'll have to email Al Gore for that answer...

Many thanks to my sponsor, www.ebook-search-queen.com.

New Furniture for an Economic Downturn

2009-11-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

It sounds odd doesn't it? It seems like a recession would be the last time to splurge for a sectional sofa, doesn't it? Ironically, no. The reason for that is that a huge part of this economic downturn is the housing crisis brought about by sub-prime loans.

Consequently, very few homeowners are spending available capital on trading up on a new domicile. Instead, they are doing things like taking staycations, remodeling, and yes, investing in new furniture.

There's a bit more to it as well. I used to be the service manager at a furniture store in Houston. I found that other than couples or singles just starting out, customers used new furniture in the same way folks use comfort food. There's just something reassuring about a new leather sectional sofa.

Now all we need is a cash for clunkers furniture program to get this economy fired up!

Thank you to my sponser, www.mynewfurniturestore.com.

Choosing Tools for Christmas Gifts

2009-11-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

I know, I know; we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet so why talk about Christmas? Well, it's hard to fight the tide. Walmart is displaying plastic trees and decorations from China already. But why focus on tools for holiday presents?

Well, for one thing, if you have a woodworker or home repair type person to gift, pssst! Something for their hobby will earn you more gratitude than a pair of socks or soap-on-a-rope. And it's practical during this recession.

Got Power Tools?

Yesterday I posted an article on power tool gifts. There's always one more on the list. He with the most tools when he dies wins! OK, that's a bit morbid, but it's true.
Sometimes for maximum accuracy only a certain tool will do the job easily. The Rotozip is one example. My Ryobi biscuit joiner is another. I can't tell you how many times I struggled with making dowel joints line up on complicated woodworking projects.

What if You're Looking for a Stocking Stuffer?

Yeah, we're all on tight budgets. But there's always highly useful and appreciated stocking stuffers guaranteed to delight on Christmas morning. How about a Magnogrip? I just did a Magnogrip review a few weeks ago.

I don't always do reviews on all the new products I'm approached about, but if I think they will benefit my readers here and at my main site (thanks for visiting so often and commenting, dear readers!), I'll go for it.

Another good choice in this category are the materials for making workshop woodworking jigs. What woodworker doesn't enjoy making his or her jigs?

Anyhow, now I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. I'm smack dab in the middle of training for the Houston Marathon, so I can eat with abandon and a total lack of guilt...

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What's With Global Warming or Climate Change?

2009-10-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me say that I don't buy into the whole global warming thing. Neither do it's standard bearers either it seems, since they've changed it to the ambiguous "climate change". If we're not warming, then are we just to running madly about, pulling our hair and moaning?

So What Exactly is the Environmental Change?

According to the BBC, over the course of the past eleven years, we haven't been warming at all. Quite the opposite. During that period of time, the Pacific ocean has been steadily cooling. This year we've experienced the weakest hurricane season in a long time. (Thank you, thank you!)

And of course it's a fact that it takes warm water to make a hurricane.

Before I get totally flamed, let me say that I do believe humans directly affect the earth, the climate, and the environment. What I don't believe is that our effect is even minutely comparable to natural events like volcanic activity and bovine flatulence.

At the end of the day, the climate change movement is a left-leaning political and a right-wing economic movement. On the one hand, implementing all the legislation to regulate activity such as the automotive and construction sectors is a means to give big government and international influences more control over our daily lives.

On the other hand, hypocrites like the deplorable and pathetic Al Gore lean to the left in the public eye, but end up raking in the money from trading carbon units. And have you seen how much electricity his mansion consumes? Or how much fuel his private jet burns. Can't fly coach while you lecture us, Al? Put up or shut up.

The masses of true believers mean well, but have been swayed by both junk science and heavily edited studies. And you thought the 60s was the decade of the big kumbaya? You ain't seen nothing yet!

When Relocating, Make Things Easy on Yourself

2009-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Face it, moving is traumatic. Whether you're moving to get a better job or just to keep the one you've got, you've got a lot of things to juggle, what with trying to wrap up things at your old place and coordinate getting situated at the new.

Moving Strategies

There are strategies you can use to make the transition more seamless. Here's a few.
Have a professional do the heavy lifting for you. This is a great time saver. They are called movers in the US but are removal companies in the UK. That sounds like a "glass half full, glass half empty" thing to me. I love US/UK language differences!

Plan ahead. It's never too soon to start on a game plan. Things will escalate the sooner the move gets. It you are moving because of business obligations, they will expect more from you before you leave; no loose ends.

Register your new address with the post office. Time sensitive things need to follow you as soon as possible. Yeah, you can change as many as possible before the big move, but some will slip through the floorboards.

Transfer Your Services

Not many professionals leave it all at the office. We always bring work home and make things happen after usual business hours. For this you need a seamless transition of broadband services.

Satellite TV is a bit easier. One of the big selling points of Dish TV is "leave it there, we'll get you a new one". Good hype. but a Godsend for transitioners.

When you move into a new home use local recommendations from Angie's List for fine-tuning your new home. Take the Tour!

Health Care VS the Economy

2009-09-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

The Obama administration has been getting more and more of a backlash. First, the health care reform that was supposed to sail right through began to stumble. Now, it's not just wading through molasses, it's mired in the primeval Wahingtonian tar pits.

Here's the issue: citizens, both on the right and the left, are increasingly asking why Obama is so focused on nationalizing the private business sector that he has no time to spend on saving the economy.

Recent polls show that overwhelmingly, people that are losing their jobs and homes are not concerned with changing the way their present medical insurance works.

The Distraction that Cash for Clunkers was

Even the cash for clunkers program is questionable. The administration is hailing it as a huge success. But was it? Many of the car dealers are still waiting for their money.

Ironically, from a financial point of view, the clunkers program benefited Japan more than it did Detroit. Who in their right mind wants to buy any American car other than a Ford? Toyota and Nissan were the big winners with this mis-guided program.

And on a fundamental level, I have to ask, why should my tax dollars subsidize someone else's new car purchase? This "cash" is our money, not the government's.

ACORN in Deep Trouble?

"ACORN has violated serious federal laws, and today the House voted to ensure that taxpayer dollars would no longer be used to fund this corrupt organization," said second-ranked House Republican Eric Cantor of Virginia.

Still, 75 democrats voted to keep ACORN afloat with tax dollars despite overwhelming evidence that they committed election fraud to get Obama elected and recently conspired to assist in setting up a brothel employing immigrant children as prostitutes.

At least some members of the House concluded that this is not the way to stimulate the economy, whether Obama is willing to pull their funding or not.

Re-Building After a Hurricane

2009-09-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

I write hurricane articles fairly regularly during the season, pretty much to get folks to prepare early, not at the 11th hour.

I keep most supplies all year round, but the specific ones I need for the big blow, I can get at Home Depot early in the day. I've found that here in the bedroom communities south of Houston, folks that commute to the city are expected to show up, stay until the last minute, and storm-proof the facilities. "Do ya want yer job next week?"

That's the way it was when I worked for Marriott. It was a difference of opinion. I thought my family and my major lifetime investment was a priority and my boss thought a hotel property (which the guests had mostly fled) was a more important investment. Good old Howard said, "Take one for the team, Kelly!"

I don't think so.

Anyway, there is plenty of devastation in the wake of a major storm. Sometimes a remodel is needed, but there are times when nothing short of a demo and re-building will do.

If you have to re-build or you're just adding on, I suggest doing it right. Go green construction and use Insulated Concrete Forms for your exterior walls. Not only are you going to save money in the long run, but you will be able to withstand those winds.

Go for it, uh-huh!

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Finding a Roof Leak

2009-08-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Roof leaks can be frustrating. The good news is that you don't have to call in a roofing contractor right away to find it. As long as you're handy and don't have a fear of going on your roof, go for it!

Different roofers and handymen have their own methods for finding roof leaks. Myself, I like to start at the bottom and work up. In other words, I begin my sleuth work by examining the ceiling inside the home.

This can give valuable, time-saving clues. If the stain evidence is close to the chimney or a skylight, chances are it's a flashing issue. I'll check in the attic to make sure. If so, it's an easy fix to replace the flashing, or just slather on some roofing cement. It all depends on the particular situation.

If it's not that obvious from first glance inside the home, I fall back on my steps for finding a roof leak. Being methodical is key.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a roofer. I'd rather take a whipping than do a tear-off and re-roof. I did it once and that was it for me. Then again, I love to tape and float drywall and paint. Those two things will make most roofers gag!

If you don't want to do the investigative work and repair yourself, be careful in picking your contractor or handyman. Sometimes, tracking down the actual leak is an art form because for the hard ones, you really have to know framing structure and the mechanics of shingles, flashing, etc.

Prior experience is invaluable. After a few years of doing this detective work, a real sense of "Oh, I remember how I solved this one before," intuition is developed. And if you're paying by the hour, this is important.

If you have to hire someone, I recommend Angie's List. highly. Their ratings come only from feedback from homeowners in your community, not simply a claim in the phone book or newspaper.

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Launch of the Home Improvement Newsletter

2009-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've gotten around to launching the newsletter feature for my I Can Fix Up My Home site (ICFUMH, or Ick-Fum ;-). Would have gotten it done sooner, but it took a while to find software that I liked.

In addition to this blog, there's also a separate home improvement blog over at ICFUMH. The two blogs aren't identical, but I see the newsletter as something in size between a blog and the site itself, which already has over a year's worth of free articles with new ones being added all the time.

It's also a great platform to share information that I get from my partners about new tools, materials, and building practices. And when they inform me of tool specials and promotions, it's a great way to pass that information on to you. If I put it on the blogs or elsewhere, it would just be too static.

I'd hate for anyone to try to get in on a great promotional deal that happened a couple of months ago. Those kind of things have a short window of opportunity. But in this recession economy, I've been seeing some very good deals.

If you would like to subscribe, welcome! Just email me at subscribe@icanfixupmyhome.com. In the body, give me your name and your location as well, if you feel comfortable with that. Then you'll get an automatic email that asks you to confirm your subscription. This is not mere jumping-through-hoops; it just makes sure that nobody is goofing on you. It happens.

I mean, who hasn't sent in 100 bill-me-later, postage-paid subscription cards to Playgirl magazine for the ex-boss after being laid off?

Be sure to add listserv@icanfixupmyhome.com to your email white list or address book, because some email clients will put unknown mail in the junk or spam filter file.

If you would like to virtually join me training for the Chevron Houston Marathon, check out my online marathon training schedule. That link is for week 1, and we are now in week 4. Just follow the links at the bottom of the pages.

It's not too late to jump on the bandwagon, even for a first-time marathoner. For example, this week's total mileage is just 19.4 miles. If you are planning a different marathon on a different date, feel free to print out my schedules and do them on your schedule. Stay motivated!

I post the next week's schedule every Friday or Saturday. Since it's a 26 week schedule, we've got a way to go. Pun intended!

Preparing for Hurricane Season

2009-08-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet hurricane season so far; not a hint or whisper of a Katrina or Ike. Unfortunately, most of out memories are short-lived.

Don't fall into this trap, folks. Prepare now, now, I tell you! Don't be one of the Gomers standing in line at Home Depot.

There are many things you can do to prepare now. First and foremost is getting your supplies together for protecting your windows.

For most folks of frugal means, this means 1/2" plywood. The best way to secure them is with Plylox hurricane clips.

Need tools for storm-proofing your home? Take 10% off all new Porter-Cable tools and accessories. No coupon code required. Discount will be applied automatically at checkout.

Those of you with deeper pockets might choose to go with metal storm shutters.

That done, focus on these items:

Flashlights
Batteries
Canned food and bottled water
Emergency medical kit
Weather radio with a hand crank

With luck, we'll dodge the bullet this year. Statistically, this is a good probability. But like the old commercial says, "It's not nice to fool with mother nature!"

Hanging Wallpaper Made Easy

2009-07-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hanging wallpaper, or vinyl in some cases, is one of those DIY jobs that make some DIYers cringe with nausea. Why? Not because of the smell of the wallpaper paste. Usually, it's from a past frustrating experience.

Getting a grip on this job is like learning to tape and float drywall. What it really takes is patience. The main points, which are outlined in detail in this article on properly hanging wallpaper are straightforward.

The problems that most people have are really easy to solve. For example, I can't tell you the number of comments I've gotten asking why the job got botched.

The Importance of Using a Plumb Bob

Me: "And what tool or method did you use to plumb the first drop?"
DIYer: "Tool?"

See where I'm going with this? If the first drop is off, even by 1/8" from top to bottom, you'll never recover if the paper you're working with has a pattern. If anything, it'll get worse as you go along.

Task Lighting and Level Viewing

More experience paper hangers develop almost what seems a sixth sense for lining up the pattern. But matching the pattern can be a challenge for novices. On many patterns, the repetitions are not so obvious, and in fact what you thought was correct alignment at first glance turns out not to be so.

It's a visual thing. The first trick is to have proper work lighting. Natural sunlight seems to work best for me. That's not always practical. On my contract jobs, this twin work light has been the best I've found. In fact, I use it in my home wood shop.

Secondly, you need to looking at the seam horizontally. So much can change when you look at an angle. It's a real sinking feeling to get a whole wall done, step back to admire it, and realize, holy flying crap! It looked good up close! What happened??

The moral of the story is: have patience, go slow, and step back and check your work often.

Project Medicine Cabinet

2009-07-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

That's right, a recessed medicine cabinet. I've been working on it a hour or so a day for a while and the end is near.

There is a reason why I always scratch my head when woodworking project plans say, "one weekend," or "one day". The fact of the issue is that the majority of time is not-work time. This is time waiting for glue or finish or homemade wood putty to dry.

Sanding always takes its temporal toll too.

Biscuit Joints Beat Dowels

Joinery is one of my favorite aspects of woodworking. About two years ago I made the leap from dowels to biscuits. Wow.

What a difference in accuracy. On the medicine cabinet I used Porter Cable biscuits on the trim face and the door. All I lack now is finishing and hanging the door and cutting and installing the shelves.

Plexiglas Shelving

I ended up opting for Plexiglas shelves (actually a non-brand name version). Why? For one thing, it looks sleek. For another thing, it's a good strength vs thickness compromise. Wood just uses too much valuable real estate.

Wood. Choose Wisely.

I went with poplar for the body but red oak for the face and door frame. For the door face and the back parts, I used luan (also called lauan) plywood. Hey, it's cheap and looks good too!

Is it just me or has the price of red oak gone down at Home Depot? Maybe there's a downtick in the home remodeling market and they're trying to boost sales?

Anyway, I'll post an article when I finish the cabinet. As for the plans, I'm toying with the idea of making the plans into an ebook and offering it as a sign-up gift for subscribing to my newsletter. Any takers?

How to Become a Millionaire Using the Internet

2009-07-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Work from home! Automatic cash machine! Be a millionaire Hawaii beach bum! Turnkey business! We've all heard it. Don't be a bumpkin, folks; the people making the big bucks passively are the ones you hear in the radio ads.

Not to say that you can't make money on the internet; you can. That's the good news. But here's the catch: like everything else, it's a lot of hard work. How do I know? Because I make a living this way and I work seven days a week.

Maybe in a few years I can slack off, but not yet. So how's it done? Well, since it's the internet (thanks for inventing it, Al Gore!), you need high-speed access. Then you need to build your own website with tools like DreamTemplate, use someone else's (like Ebay), or provide content for other people's sites.

You can make money on your site doing affiliate marketing for companies like shareasale.com.

So how does doing your own thing differ from buying a turnkey "business" from the scam artists? You have to stand out in the crowd by providing your own angle. The scam artists are selling the same internet store to as many suckers as they can. At a huge profit.

Want to see how I do it? Check out the content I provide for other sites at http://www.examiner.com/x-7913-Houston-Running-Fitness-Examiner where I write fitness articles and http://homerenorepair.suite101.com/ where I'm the feature writer for the home improvement topic.

And finally, to see the site I've built, just click on the banner below!

How to Touch Up Furniture

2009-07-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Do you have a piece of wood furniture or two that's got a few dings? Not quite enough to warrant the effort of stripping, puttying, sanding, and refinishing? Been there, done that. Well, there's an elegant solution that you can DIY in just a few moments (say, right before the company arrives)!

This little bit of touch-up magic comes in the form of a marker; it looks kind of like a magic marker and you can pick them up at most home improvement centers. It's nowhere as complicated as web design.

I know, it sounds lame, but it really does work. The brand I'm familiar with is Mohawk, which is a company under the same corporate umbrella where RustOleum resides. That says quality to me.

The real trick is in matching the shade. I learned how to do this when I was the Engineering supervisor at the Marriott in Houston's Medical Center where guests seem to get a sardonic pleasure in abusing furniture in ways they would never at home.

Don't even get me started about the damage done by the Hurricane Katrina refugees...

Anyhow, they only come in a certain number of shades. Here's the trick: swipe with a shade slightly darker than your finish and quickly wipe with a cloth. After wiping it'll be lighter than the marker says.Repeat with the swipe 'n wipe until you've got a match. Each swipe will get you closer. Using the chisel edge of the marker, you can even match grain patterns with practice.

Learn how we can increase your sales, develop your brand, and generate interest in your site.

How to Repair Stripped Bolt Hole Threads

2009-06-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

Not many things frustrate me more than bolt hole threads when they strip out. I don't think anyone would be in disagreement with me that it always happens at exactly the wrong time. Who wants to spend an hour and a half searching for a tap and die set and then digging up a bigger bolt?

But there is good news! There is a cheap and easy DIY fix! I don't recommend doing this on your engine block, for obvious reasons, but it will work wonderfully in a number of light duty situations.

And further good news; it doesn't require any expensive new tools either. The initial thing you'll need to do is back out the bolt. This should be easy; it's already stripped, right? You might have to use vice grips on the head and pull while turning it counter-clockwise.

Next, fill the bolt hole with a compound, either Liquid Steel or J.B. Weld. This stuff has the advantages of wood glue and finishes like metal. You've got to love the folks that invented those products!

They're so good they don't even need to hire Billy Mayes to hawk them on TV. Next, coat the bolt (preferably a new one) liberally with liquid soap, including the head.

Run the bolt back into the hole and wipe up the excess that squeezes out around the bolt head. Do this gently; remember that you're making new threads.

When the compound is dried, you're set! You can now screw or unscrew at will.

It's Time to Monitor Concrete Slab Foundations

2009-06-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

They tell me that Summer doesn't start officially until June 21, 2009. That's also Father's Day and the Summer Solstice, so that gives us three reasons to get out and dance by the light of the moon.

Problem is, here in South Texas, we didn't get the memo about summer starting so late. It's already sliding into the 90s on a daily basis so it's a good thing that we've got a couple of other things to occupy our minds on the 21.

I ran a 5K race on Saturday and it was already hot at 7:30. I was slooow. Since the run was put on by my running club, I wasn't too embarrassed. I guess I'll just have to to train harder and prepare mentally.

As hot as it is, and as dry as it's been, the dirt around our concrete slab foundations has been getting mighty dry. That can spell trouble as far as cracking goes.

If we don't keep an eye on conditions, we stand to be in for some expensive foundation repairs. Around here, that usually means piers or pilings, sometimes something proprietary like Olshan's Cable Lock technology.

Whichever it is, it's messy and expensive.

So, what to do? The best thing is to monitor it on a daily basis and water it as needed. The best method is to run soaker hoses around the slab's perimeter and water it enough to keep the repair demons at bay.

Does Father's Day Overlap Home Improvement?

2009-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Father's day is fast approaching. This isn't going to be another "tie and soap-on-the-rope" year is it? Why not give him what he wants? And Dads, it might be time to start dropping hints, yes? What do we want? As Tim Allen would say, "Tools!"

Tools for Father's day are practical gifts. After all, this is something that us DIY types are going to buy anyway. And ladies, what better way to give your honey-do list a well-deserved nudge? Either that or find a handyman. Here are a few categories that might bear a bit of consideration:

Automotive tools. That's right. In the economic recession we find ourselves mired in, we need to do all the repairs we can. Not many people are looking to purchase a new vehicle just now anyhow. Think about it; would you buy a car built by GM (Government Motors)? Or how about a Hummer now that the Chicoms have bought that division? And you thought you had lead paint woes before?

Hand tools. Can't have too many of these babies. Just a couple of weeks ago I had to go to Home Depot and buy a set of torx screwdrivers to tweak the door strike on my Toyota Tundra. Who doesn't find themselves needing a pair of sharp Wiss tin snips now and then?

Power tools. We can only do so much with hand tools, as much as we love them. Whether we're talking belt sanders, table saws, drill presses, or wood lathes, the choices are getting better and the prices are lower than ever.

Just a few home improvement tool ideas for Father's Day. You can thank me later.

Structural Integrated Panels (SIPs)

2009-06-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Northern climes are now thawed out enough to break ground for new construction, I suppose. It never gets cold enough to freeze the ground here. Bottom line, it's time to build, if the construction financing is available.

One green building technology to think about is Structural Integrated Panels, or for those into acronyms, SIPs.

So what are they? They're construction sandwich modules formed of exterior panel surfaces made of Oriented Strand Board (OSB). The "meat and cheese" is rigid foam plastic insulation.

Sustainable Benefits that Lead to LEED Certification

The benefits are many. First, OSB can be made from scrap material from other woodworking processes. Waste not, want not. Next, since the sandwich panels are designed by an architect using construction software, the shapes and sizes mean that they fit together on the job site like a jigsaw puzzle.

This means faster construction. There is minimal cutting and fitting, unlike conventional stud framing. This results in less scrap to haul off to the landfill.

Finally, the insulating value is effective. All these details add up to points that contribute to LEED certification.

Finding a Building Contractor

This is one of the hardest things about building green. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. It's hard enough to find residential building crews that even speak English today, much less understand and accept emerging construction concepts.

The best way to proceed is to work with an architect that has a few SIPs projects under his belt and use his network of general contractors and subcontractors.

So, take this green idea and run with it!

Take Advantage of Your Windows this Summer

2009-05-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Windows have been getting more attention in the past few years, and with good reason. The first reason is that they can save energy and lower electricity bills by taking advantage of natural sunlight.

The drawback? They can also let in the heat, making your air conditioner work harder and eliminating the savings you achieved on the lighting. unless you've invested in Energy Star low-E windows or installed solar window film.

Either of these two environment-friendly options can also reap you energy tax credits. You'll need them. Most taxpayers have yet to come to the realization that the "tax break" that Obama enacted by reducing withholding tax made no change on the tax owed.

Citizens used to getting a nice tax refund will likely have to cut a check to the IRS since they will have paid in less.

Windows also bring the beauty of the the outdoors inside. To really take advantage of this aspect of your windows, why not build a window seat as a DIY project. If you're not handy yourself, it's easy enough to hire a reliable local carpenter using Angie's List.

Depending on how fancy you want to get, the project can be done is as little as one weekend.

Be sure to update your homeowners insurance policy after making any of these home improvements.

How to Build a Deck Around a Tree

2009-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, winter is over, and it's time for outdoor projects. Since the economic downturn has more and more people taking staycations rather than making the journey to Disneyland or Cabo San Lucas, why not combine the two by building a deck where the family can relax and cookouts can carry the day?

What better place to chill out after going for a long training run?

Designing a deck is a fun process. Sometimes, compromises must be made. For example, what if you have a nice shade tree? You hate to cut it down, because the shade makes your home more energy efficient.

Not only that, but the shade on the deck would be welcome indeed. Here's the obvious solution: leave it there! You'll just have to take an extra step.

DIY Tree Service

It's easy enough to frame the deck understructure around a tree. Likewise, a bit of planning makes the decking look just right. The horticultural challenges in this situation? The tree will continue to grow in girth and the topmost roots will threaten to invade the integrity of the deck postholes and footings.

First, estimate how much more girth the tree is likely to gain. If you are not sure, check in with a local nursery or county agricultural agent. Then you can properly lay out the opening.

As far as the lateral root system goes, you really want them to go down, rather than up. This is what I learned on the Randy Lemon Gardenline radio show. Three words: deep root feeding.

Deep Root Feeding

Strictly speaking, the term is a bit deceptive. The process has more to do with watering the tree rather than tree fertilization.

The idea is to poke holes straight down in the soil in concentric circles around the trunk periodically. This gives rain water a route to go deep to feed the tree's root system. The result? The lateral roots will be trained to aim downward, rather than out.

What do you poke the holes with? A length of rebar works well. Do this well before framing the deck and pour some pea gravel down the holes to keep them somewhat open. (For this initial poking, you'll have to use something thicker than rebar for the gravel to fit.)

You will have to cut the worst root offenders before you build the deck, but don't overdo it.

What I'm saying here is that you'll have to devise removeable "panels" in the decking that you can easily remove and replace when you need to.

Now get busy! Having trouble getting motivated? Try Brain Sync. We're burning sunlight here, Homer!

Finished Installing Radiant Barrier foil in the Attic!

2009-05-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

My goal was to finish all my penny-pinching efforts in the attic before the summer really slammed us. And I did it! About three years ago I sprayed radiant barrier paint on the underside of the roof decking. But it was already hot. Boy, did I learn my lesson.

In this book shown on the left, the author goes into why we should take the lead in transforming America to be more energy efficient and develop alternate energy sources. He explains it in a short video that you can see if you click on it.

I won't get into a political discussion about greenhouse gasses here. I'm all about saving money on utility bills and boosting my home equity.

You see, after I did the painting, I noticed an immediate drop in my power usage from the central air conditioner. Being an insatiable fellow, and frugal, I wanted more.

Research indicated that the paint will stop between 10% - 75% of radiant heat from getting into the attic in the first place. The foil, applied to the attic floor, stops 97%. So, is my math off, or is the interior of my home being protected from about 150%? Just joking, I'm not a dolt!

I used Energy Q foil, the best on the market. This is the same stuff NASA uses. In addition to the foil, I also beefed up the attic insulation. In for a dime, in for a dollar, I always say. Do it right the first time.

There's a narrow window of opportunity between the income tax refund and the sweltering heat. I wanted to do it this year because part of the economic stimulus package is higher tax credits.

Have you gone over this energy efficiency checklist to see where you could be saving money. When Cap and Trade kicks in, energy prices are going up, up, up.

So now that I'm done, I'm going to go running, and then it's time to kick back and chill. Literally.

DIY Carpenter Tips and Tricks

2009-05-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time (don't ask) since I went through my carpentry apprenticeship so it goes without saying that I've put a few DIY tips and tricks in my toolbox. Some I picked up from others and some I figured out myself.

These first two are tried and true in the trade and come in handy for lay out.

Use a Water Level Around Corners

I'm a big fan of laser levels, especially since they've come down in price. But since they're optical gizmos, and light only bends for Einstein, it makes it hard to transfer elevations around corners without moving the thing, and that can introduce errors.

Enter the water level. It's a simple device and you can buy one to use if you're working by yourself or just use a length of plastic tubing (about 3/8" ID) if you have a helper. Easy breezy. It works on the principle that water seeks its own level.

Either kind is a lot easier to use if you just add a bit of food coloring to the water. Visibility is key.

Use the 3-4-5 Method for Perfect Square

We owe this on to Mr. Pythagoras, founder of the Pythagorean School of Mathematics in Cortona and all around smart guy.

Like the water level, the 3-4-5 method of squaring is also simple yet precise and relies on basic principles. In this case, A squared + B squared = C squared. And it's expandable, meaning that you can use it with larger numbers for larger projects.

This is an invaluable tool for establishing control lines for walls, concrete forms, or even building furniture if you're so inclined!

Want more tips and tricks? Stay tuned; I'll dig around in the bottom of my toolbox and see what I can find. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going running.

Don't forget to send mom a mother's day gift card! (It's easier than flowers and she can get what she really wants!)

A Bad Toilet Wax Ring will Cause Leaks

2009-04-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

The last thing you want to see involving your bathroom plumbing is questionable water leaking out under your toilet after you flush it. If you find yourself riding it like a rocking horse you also have a problem. Both situations are caused by a bad wax ring.

Replacing a toilet wax ring is an easy DIY task in most cases but it can be a bit odoriferous. The easiest way to go about this job is to take the toilet apart; these things are bulky and awkward.

Some folks prefer to use a handyman to make this repair; they're cheaper than plumbers and this is usually not a job that requires a permit. To find one, I always recommend Angie’s List - Ratings, reviews and sometimes revenge. See what local homeowners say about the service companies they hire. Join now.

It's also helpful to have a helper to line up the floor flange bolts when you go to set the bowl back on the floor with the new wax ring.

This is also a good opportunity to replace the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl and the gasket that's between them. Go for a complete commode overhaul. It's the right thing to do.

If you're having any other toilet problems, you can generally take care of them with the installation of a new float cup fill valve. I'm a big fan of the Fluidmaster brand. For less than $10 at Home Depot, you can't go wrong.

Good Weather and New Running Shoes

2009-04-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year that we runners and triathletes in South Texas live for. Cool in the morning and tolerable in the afternoon.

So being as motivated as I was, the other day I meandered over to the new Sports Authority store to buy a new pair of running shoes. I felt prosperous having recently filed my taxes and came out of the process only mildly bloodied.

As luck would have it, they were offering a $99 model of shoes, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS, for 40% off. Needless to say, I snapped up a pair. Nothing avoids plantar fasciitis like a good pair of shoes. I like both Brooks and low priced New Balance shoes. Sizes 4-20 and widths 2A to 6E available. Free 2 way shipping every day!

I might wear my shorts until the elastic gives up the ghost, but I respect the good footwear.

Been there, done that. Over the years I have worked a plantar fasciitis cure, pulled muscles, and suffered sciatica. None of it was any fun but it's the hallmark of the weekend warrior that pushes the limit. Strive for success. Yo.

Oddly enough, I've never crashed my bike. Even when a hapless blond ran into me and did a face plant herself, I maintained my equilibrium. But I had best shut the pie-hole on that topic of I'll end up jinxing myself. Karma, doncha' know.

Running Improvement with Quality Workouts

2009-04-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

With the spring weather getting better, more runners are getting off the treadmills and hitting the roads and trails. There are more 5K and 10K races every weekend and we've got at least 4 or 5 months before getting serious about fall marathon training.

But be honest; are you satisfied with your performance? You're a year older this season, and we slow as we age. Do you want to jump start your speed, strength, and endurance? Then it's time to get scientific about training.

Hillwork Builds Strength and Stamina

It's easy to incorporate hillwork workouts into your training plan. Nothing else will boost your stamina and strength like it.

For some runners, like me, hills are few and far between. So what do I do? I rely on bridges, usually the Kemah Bridge. It's just a few minutes from my house so it's very accessible. It's also where I like to put in for a day of kayak fishing.

Since this bridge is steep but short (about a quarter mile from approach to peak) there are 2 workouts that I rely on. The first is easy, just over and back. How hard I attack it varies.

The second workout is running up hard for 60 seconds, then turning and jogging down for half that time. Then, turn and hit it hard uphill again. I keep repeating this until I hit the peak, then jog down easy and do it all over again.

Not surprisingly, I call this the "leapfrog" workout.

Speedwork Builds... Speed!

To get faster, speedwork workouts are essential. I'm lucky to have two local high school tracks available. The one thing I have to remember is to really pay attention to my body. It's easy to get injured. Stretching is key.

Fartlek (speedplay) is also a great option if a track is not available. It doesn't seem to be as trendy as it used to be, but it's fun! And for those who just think the track is boring, it might be just what the doctor ordered. Give it a try.

The bottom line? To have a better running year than last, I'm going to have to focus on target workouts more than ever. After all, I'm not getting any younger!

Yet More Bathroom Remodeling

2009-04-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, I posted an article on my site on the Perpetual Remodeling Project. The basic idea is to keep adding to the article, photos and text, as I go about completing all the DIY projects that just won't quit comin'.

You can follow along and see when I post new home improvement articles by bookmarking my RSS Feed.

The last bit I added is about trimming the door. This turned out to be fun to do. I'm not much on interior design but I know what looks good. I may be eclectic but make up for it by being clever. That's a good thing, right?

Anyhow, I used square corner rosette blocks on the trim. Want to see it? Click on that tall thumbnail over on the left. The color isn't right though. The door and trim are really gloss white.

I've got a lot of remodeling projects planned after I finish the bathroom renovation. All that's left is building and installing a built-in medicine cabinet. That one will have some good detail because of the design.

The hole is already cut in the drywall but because of a stud and a plumbing pipe, I'm going to offset the back of the cabinet so as to take advantage of all the available real estate.

The end result is that the right three quarter of the cabinet will gain about 3/4" of additional depth over the shallow one the previous owner installed.

I'm also going to drill a series of holes on the inside so I can put shelf support pegs at a variety of locations. Sharing bathrooms with a wife and a daughter has given me an education in the odd size containers that stuff can come in.

I'm still debating on the design of the cabinet door. That's half the fun of doing it myself rather than hiring a contractor. But hey, that's just me...

Lace Up Your Running Shoes!

2009-04-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting right to dig out the running shorts and go running. Well, it's been like that for me anyhow; it might be "not yet" for y'all up north.

Actually, during the cold, rainy weather I train indoors on the treadmill at my local 24-Hr Fitness gym. So what prompts this particular post? First, like I said, the weather is perfect, but also because I'm happy to say that I was selected to be the Houston Running Fitness Examiner over at examiner.com.

So go check it out. I've only posted one article so far, yesterday as a matter of fact, but I'll be putting up a minimum of four running and fitness articles each week.

I think the personalized parts of the page are still being tweaked, so if you don't see my
my ugly mug there right now, you'll have to check back ;-)

One reason I'll hyped about the opportunity is that it's a topic I really enjoy writing about. I used to be the newsletter editor for the Bay Area Triathlete Club (BAT) and that was a hoot. Uh, that's the Bay Area here in Texas, not the one in California.

Sadly, that club folded some time back and I've missed writing on the topic. Over the years, I've done everything from the 5K to half-Ironman triathlons to ultramarathon trail runs. My intention is to share all the sports nutrition, training, and injury prevention information that that varied experience has provided me.

So check it out, bookmark it (if you're a runner or wannabe), and feel free to suggest a topic you would like to see posted. Cheaper than buying a magazine, yes? Reach me at admin@ksmithwriter.com any time.

Titebond Glue Goes Green

2009-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've always been an advocate. This company has always kept ahead of the curve on many issues. Getting more water resistant is a great example. They've also got an ample line-up of woodworking glue.

Now Titebond has developed their GREENchoice Adhesives line. And just in time. Green building is gaining in popularity. Glue is one of the best building materials to make the green jump to since it's so VOC intense.

GREENchoice come in eight types: heavy duty construction adhesive, premium polyurethane, projects and repair, drywall adhesive, and more.

The one that caught my eye was professional radon sealer. I had to look. Turns out it's used, as expected, as a caulk in places where radon gas might enter the home, unsealed basements, for example.

It's mold and mildew resistant, but I don't see how it's more effective for radon than a regular foundation caulk. At least they don't say.

Nevertheless, they're sure to sell this stuff if they don't overprice it. Just like cars; Hummers may be prestigious, but Toyota sure sells the volume business.

Basement Remodeling and HVAC

2009-04-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

No, I don't have a basement myself. They don't work when your home is only about one foot above sea level. But if I did have one, you can bet it would be an awesome space.

The truth is, basement ventilation and climate control is are important issues. Too much stale air and humidity can cause toxic mold which is a big health risk. In many cases (depending on where you live) simple exhaust fans will do the trick.

In other places, a proper HVAC system is needed to take care of business. And you're going to want one anyhow if you want to remodel your basement and turn that valuable real estate into extra living area while boosting your home equity.

Remodeling your basement begins, like all home improvement projects, with the planning phase. As far as the air conditioning and heating goes, you'll have to decide whether to go ahead and replace the system that you already have or to simply install a dedicated basement HVAC system.

The upside of changing it all out if your old system is outdated is that the federal income tax credits have gone up, and with the SEER ratings on Energy Star equipment going up all the time, you'll be money ahead every month.

After you decide exactly what you want to do with that space, it's time to frame your basement. You can either use conventional stick framing or go with metal studs and track.

In any event, spring is the time to think about delving into this type of project.

Troubleshoot and Fix Your Electric Range

2009-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

One of the things I really hate is having to call an appliance repair company to check out and repair a malfunction. Fortunately, many problems are easier to diagnose than you might think.

Troubleshooting and fixing an electric range and oven is a prime example. This handy device is not complicated at all in most cases. In fact, all you generally need is a couple of screwdrivers, an analog or digital multimeter, and maybe a pair of pliers.

When the heating elements go out, it's generally just an electrical continuity issue. This kind of fix is a simple plug and play operation.

Even when the fix is easy, locating the correct replacement part can be tricky because there are so many kitchen appliance manufacturers and models.

Sometimes, they won't even sell you the part; they want to send their repair guy out to charge you a fortune. So, now I don't even bother driving around searching. A-1 Appliance Parts always has just what I need and shipping is quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Other common problems are when the elements only heat partially or not at all. Again, heating element diagnosis is simple.

Generally, the only real mechanical issues are items like door hinges and springs. Also an easy repair. So, check it out yourself first. But if you want to have someone do the work for you, try using Angie's List.

Plumbing With PEX

2009-04-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Even though I haven't worked with PEX, It's pretty fascinating stuff. It's just another success story of the capitalist system that we enjoy. Profit motive + highly-educated research scientists + investment cash = innovative products that can adapt to many facets of life.

In this case, chemical engineers in the 50s were looking for a material to modify the polymer chains in polyethylene so that it wouldn't soften as the temperature rises.

They found it and as a result we can now install plumbing with PEX. It's got many things to recommend it:

It's totally flexible, so it can go right around corners. No more having to deal with rigid 45 and 90 degree connectors.
It uses a variety of connectors. Since it doesn't expand or contract with temperature changes, the connectors don't leak, and no more sweating copper pipe or gluing up PVC.
Manifolds are available for splitting off water distribution. Some even have shutoff valves that allow you to be flexible (no pun intended).

PEX is great for kitchen and bathroom remodel projects. The work goes fast and inexpensive. Some of the connectors do not require a plumbing license. I know this is important since all of you DIYers pull building permits, right?

Wink, wink, nod, nod...

But if rather have a contractor handle it for you, the smart money calls Angie's List.

One cool thing is that you can buy the tubing in blue and red for color-coding cold and hot lines. Takes the guesswork out of it. Now if they would just put braille on it...

Mortgage Banks Abandoning Homes

2009-03-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

In a disturbing new trend, banks and mortgage holders are simply walking away from properties they had meant to foreclose on. It's simply not economically viable for them to follow through.

The whole purpose of foreclosing on a home or property is to take possession of it and get what they can for it, usually at a sheriff's sale. They typically take a loss, but the move accomplishes two things - they get the property off their books, and at least they get some of their money back.

Why has it happened? It works like this: when the adjustable rate mortgage kicks in or the occupant becomes unemployed, the foreclosure machine begins to roll. The occupants are evicted, the home is evaluated and basic home repairs are made, and then it's sold.

In the days before the economic meltdown, this was all just another day at the office. But there are so many homes going unoccupied that the system gets overrun. Houses that had some resale value when the eviction happened often become victim to crackheads and the home gets trashed.

Municipalities are strapped for cash, so the police force can't keep up. And the banks see a big fat zero and walk away.

But here's the rub; the mortgage is still in limbo and so often the previous occupant is still liable for making the monthly note. Fat chance.

And ironically, when the democrats in power (the Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi machine) were assuring us that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were "just fine", and McCain was calling for their reform, these evicted folks were paying tax money to bail out the banks that are now throwing them under the bus.

But they're not bothering to evict the gangbangers and crackheads.

The road to hades is paved with good intentions and no good deed goes unpunished.

Cap and Trade is Coming, Cut Utility Bills Now

2009-03-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

For folks still drinking the Obama Kool Aid and think they're really getting a tax cut, it's time to dummy up. It's really a shell game. The bad news is that your taxes are going up; the good news is that I'm going to tell you how to do something about those pesky electricity, gasoline, and natural gas bills.

You see, Cap and Trade is a policy that Washington will push through. And it will increase your utility bills. Ernest Istook of the Heritage Foundation estimates that the average American household wil be ponying up an additional 50%.

Take a Look at Your Energy Consumption

Before you can lower your bills, you need to know where all that energy is going. Check out this energy efficiency checklist and make a diagnosis of your home. You might be surprised. Here are a few easy things:

Change your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents. Buy the good ones, they last longer.
Set your refrigerator to 38 degrees and your freezer to 0 degrees. Keep your freezer full, even if it's frozen water in milk jugs; it's just more efficient.
Dress up your water heater with an approved insulating blanket.
Make sure your attic insulation is up to snuff.

How to Save at the Gas Pump

Fill up early in the morning while the gas is cooler. It is denser in that state so you actually get more volume.
Don't pump gas right after the tanker truck visits the station. Filling the underground pumps stirs up any settled stuff and you don't want it in your car.
Use a quality fuel additive. Experience the MPGreen Difference!

Follow these tips to start saving today!

Formica for Non-Dummies

2009-03-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

I ran into a friend the other day. He's a small business owner and when he opened his chiropractor's office, he slid me the contract for some office build out, including building a custom receptionist's area.

I say area because it was a combination desk, credenza, and one one of those elevated counters where the patients sign in. I don't know what the heck the official name is for a piece of furniture like that is, but it was fun to design and build.

I framed up the solid part of it and covered it with gleaming white plastic laminate (I know, everyone calls it Formica generically, but that's really a brand name).

It was my first major job building a Formica countertop, but it's an easier project than you might think.

The key is that you have to proceed carefully; contact cement is not forgiving. It has zero open time, unlike other types of woodworking glues.

Do you need a lot of woodworking tools? Nah. But, if it involves wood, Rockler has the tool! Basically, you just need a router, table saw (or circular saw), J-roller, and a flat wood file.

DIY Projects You Can Do with Formica

The number of projects is really only limited by your imagination. Check this out:

Refinishing kitchen counters
Updating bath vanities
A friend of mine in Miami did the inside of his boat's cabin
Covering a coffee table
Making a smooth work bench top for your wood shop or arts and crafts work area

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Go ahead; you know you want to!

Make Money at Home on the Internet

2009-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I listen to talk radio all day while I work as a freelance writer and keep hearing hearing this ad from the "Hawaii Beach Bum". All you have to do is follow his process and you can be a millionaire too!

Results not typical.

This form of a get rich quick scheme is just as bogus as the old addressing envelopes scam in the days when snail mail was the "in" thing.

A year or so ago, my wife floated the idea of us attending a free-lunch seminar at a swanky Galveston hotel. The topic was internet marketing and on-line stores, something I've been doing for quite a while, so we went.

Bottom line, they were selling turn-key, pre-fab on-line stores for roughly 20 times what my hosting service charges. The audience was mostly made up of retirees and they were eating this stuff up.

I raised my hand and asked why they didn't address organic SEO and content webs; how can they demonstrate success without these techniques? Needless to say, the huckster didn't field any more of my questions. Real questions were clearly cutting into his bottom line.

My pet project is my home improvement site which I've been steadily developing for almost a year. That's my way of saying constantly adding real content.

Sometimes I get on the first page of a Google search, sometimes not. What I'm saying is that success does not come overnight and the fact that high-tech scam artists are out there is really a bur under my saddle. Yee ha.

Yes, you can make money from affiliate marketing and product sales, but it's like anything else, it takes time and hard work.

Faced with a Mechanics' Lien?

2009-03-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Be afraid; be very afraid.

What is a mechanics' lien? It's basically a lien put on your property by a tradesman who has performed work on it and has not been paid.

Does this mean you intentionally stiffed the guy or gal? Not necessarily. For example, let's assume you decided to hire a general contractor to remodel a kitchen or build a deck for you.

Part of the contractor's responsibility is to hire the subcontractors needed - plumbers, electricians, roofing contractors, whatever. It is his responsibility to pay them; this should be transparent to you. You don't care how much they make or whether that master finish carpenter provides his own woodworking power tools.

But if the GC fails to pay them, and believe me, it happens all the time, the building subcontractors can put a lien on your home. And until you satisfy it by paying them, you are very limited to what you can do to your own property.

Basically, you're tied to it because you can't sell it. Wow.

But with a bit of common sense forethought, there are ways to protect yourself and avoid a mechanics' lien:

Have the GC and subcontractors sign a “Waiver and Release” form.
Check out all the companies involved with the BBB.
Ask for references from the general's past ten completed contract jobs.
Make sure he is currently bonded and insured.
File a "Notice of Completion" form.

A final note of caution: if you won't be around to monitor your home while the work is being performed, a prudent step to take is to perform a criminal background check. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Electric Range Diagnosis

2009-03-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Electric ranges and ovens are simpler than you might think. What does this mean to you? With nothing more than a digital or analog multimeter and a few other tools, you can troubleshoot and repair yours in many cases.

In most cases, there are actually two voltages associated with this appliance, 240 for the heating elements and 120 for the lights and clock. This means that before troubleshooting a stove you'll need to flip two circuit breakers.

If you don't want to tackle this project yourself, be sure to use a reliable appliance repair company. Like most services, there's a few bad eggs out there.

One problem I have had with my stove in the past is cleaning the oven using the locked-down self-cleaning feature. It gets so doggone hot in there that anything on the element will cause it to fry a hole.

That means replacing the element. It's an easy job, but it can be pricey. Add insult to injury; many appliance stores won't sell you the part. They want the labor mark-up and shun us DIY types. Bummer.

But this company has all appliance replacement parts with speedy delivery.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle it? Just follow this stove repair checklist. Just don't forget to flip your circuit breakers! Bzzz! Been there, done that...

How's Your Homeowners Insurance Stack Up?

2009-03-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mine is with State Farm and I'm pretty satisfied. Other than the little tidbit I heard on the radio yesterday reporting that the homeowners insurance rates here in the Republic of Texas are the highest in the nation.

What in tarnation did we do to deserve that? After all, Katrina hit Louisiana, not us. Wait, maybe it's because we took in the refugees? No good deed goes unpunished, as they say.

Many capital improvements can raise what you should increase your policy's value. Like replacing your central air conditioner with a more energy efficient one (higher SEER rating).

I just got a letter from State Farm today letting me know how important it is to keep up with how much my home is insured for. Makes sense; it covers the home's replacement cost, not the market value. Different animals entirely.

Like the difference between a horse and a zebra.

The cost of labor and construction materials keeps going up whether you make home improvements or not. This means the value of your policy must go up if you want to rebuild to the current standard if you should experience a catastrophe, God forbid.

Also note that your residential insurance policy does not automatically cover flooding. That's a separate rider. Get it or weep.

The last and only time I made a claim was when my house flooded from a burst bathroom sink cold water supply line. Man, what a headache. Not the insurance, the clean-up.

Oh yeah, that was covered by the regular policy because it was a plumbing issue, not weather. All flooding situations are not created equal.

So I pass on this wee bit of advice: get ye over to Lowes or Home Depot and pick up "burst-proof" hot and cold supply lines for your sinks and toilets.

Replace them or hire a handyman to do it for you. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Time for a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

2009-03-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's a cool morning today, but the time of any more freezes are well behind us here. So I spent about an hour planting some more plants in my raised bed vegetable garden.

Sweet basil, lemon basil, lemon balm plants; and some red corn seeds. Already got 5 or so corn stalks that are doing well that I sprouted from seed. I had that many more, but I was a bit too aggressive and a cold snap got them. Argg!

I'm going to take a shot at organic gardening this year. I know, it's a bit more work, but I think it'll pay off.

My asparagus bed is producing well, sending up some nice fat spears; nothing like that skinny nonsense the grocery store carries (at premium prices, I might add). I took an opportunity to plant asparagus crowns about 5 years ago and the bed gets more productive all the time.

A single bed is supposed to last up to 15 years.

Something else I want to do, as Randy Lemon advises, is plant some herb companion plants for pest control. Randy is the Gulf Coast gardening guru.

The reason I planted so much basil is that I'm a nut for homemade pesto sauce. Since I'm amping up my running again, I can justify all the pasta consumption. I used to do a lot of long distance running, but fell by the wayside.

Now, it's time to get back to the old ways. That's what happens as we get older. Some go sedentary, and some don't. I choose not to. And hey, I've got to do something to build up an appetite for the garden harvest!

Refrigerator Diagnosis - You Can Do It

2009-03-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Most folks think of the refrigerator as just an unobtrusive part of the background, humming and chillin' out, if you'll forgive the pun. Until it fails, and all of a sudden they've got a couple hundred dollars worth of food hanging in the balance.

The first thought that comes to mind is, "Call the serviceman! Stat!" Well, that's the appropriate response if the thing is still under warranty, but if not, why not take a crack at refrigerator troubleshooting and repair yourself?

It's really pretty simple to fix many fridge issues on your own. Of course, if it involves refrigerant, you will have to call a kitchen appliance serviceman.

You can't even buy that stuff without an HVAC license. Right or wrong, that's the way the game is rigged.

But, (you knew that was coming didn't you? ;-) there are times when you might as well cut your losses and move on with the great roller coaster of life. Let me tell you a little story to illustrate...

A couple of years ago it was time for a new fridge, and since I happened to be flush with cash, I sprung for a brand spankin' new Maytag. My wife and I always bought Maytag gadgets in the past because of the quality.

Heck, I had to replace a clothes dryer heating element a few years ago on a Maytag unit and that thing is about twenty years old. Not too shabby.

Wrong! Maytag has sold itself and now boasts the name tag but sells junk. No, I didn't just buy a lemon; a Google revealed that folks all over were having the same ice maker and water dispenser problems for a couple of years and the company has made no moves to install upgraded circuit boards.

They just keep changing them until the warranty runs out. What a joke. Mine went out twice in the first year, which happened to be the extent of the contract.

Sure, I could have lived with that, but I also went through two compressors in that year. Customer service? They just blow customers off.

Too sad, but hopefully my experience will save you some grief when you go shopping? Let me know. If I get enough input, I'll post an article. Reach me at admin@icanfixupmyhome.com.

It's not Delivery, It's Homemade Pizza!

2009-03-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

That's right, you were expecting the the DiGiorno commercial, yes? Nah, this is even better. You know I usually blog about home improvement topics, and that's all good; but believe it or not, I have other interests. And you should too!

Anyway, I've always liked cooking. Probably because I like eating. Doing DIY projects will give you an appetite. So will the things I used to be very active in: triathlons and marathons. I even completed six ultramarathons.

Glutton for punishment, I suppose.

Yeah, that stuff will give you an appetite! So for the topic I was leading off with, how about some homemade pizza? Making the pizza dough or crust is the first thing to do, but don't be intimidated; it's easy. The pizza crust recipe I dreamed up is whole wheat.

I first got interested in making my own pizza from a buddy of mine, a club mate in the Bay Area Running Club (the one in Clear Lake, Texas, not the one in California). Coye Jones was a fanatic about making and eating pizza.

My favorite was the "Eggs Benedict" special. I sit here salivating just thinking of it. Coye was also one of the engineers that ushered in some of NASA's ground (or rather, space) breaking accomplishments. Awesome dude.

Another one of my favorite things to cook up is Panamanian-style empanadas. I grew up on these things, both when I lived in Las Cumbres in the rain forest, in Panama City, and in the Canal Zone. (Long live Balboa HS Bulldogs, rah!)

The next recipe I'm going to write an article about is ceviche. Can't wait to get started on that one.

The Reverse ATM PIN Myth

2009-03-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

This morning I got one of those send this important information to everyone you know emails. Sometimes these are indeed good advice, but sometimes, like this one, they're major bogus.

Real urban myth material. This one gives this tip: if a crook is trying to coerce you into withdrawing cash from the bank ATM machine, just enter your PIN in reverse. This sends a silent message to the police dispatcher.

Fast, quick, and in a hurry, here's comes the cops, swooping down like Barney Fife from Mayberry with his one bullet.

But I checked it out before forwarding it to all my friends, thereby saving their lives and earning lifelong appreciation and favor. Sorry folks, Snopes.com says, no no no, this one's BOGUS, unlike identity theft.

Identity theft happens every day, and unlike having a goon sitting next to you in the passenger seat, you bank account can be tapped out without your knowledge. Luckily, there are companies like LifeLock around who specialize on preventing theft before it happens. No shredder required.

It actually has a basis in fact. Joseph Zingher of Chicago (yeah, where Obama began his socialist regime), actually developed this system, dubbed SafteyPIN. He tried to market it, but to no avail.

The banks wouldn't pay for it, and as the police pointed out, the perp and victim would be long gone before SWAT (or good old Barney) arrived on the scene.

So don't believe this one, folks. If anything, the crook will go postal on you when he notices you trying to figure out your PIN backwards. After all (and be honest) how many among us learned scholars can actually recite the alphabet in reverse?

Camouflage Vinyl Siding?

2009-03-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Yo, Bubba! No, I thought it was a joke too when I first heard of it. But it seems that Style Crest, Inc., has licensed the Mossy Oak® Obsession pattern and come up with WildSide camouflage vinyl siding.

You've got to wonder who was on that product development focus group. Can it go on double-wides? I don't mean to mock, but...

I don't have anything against vinyl siding and I realize there are a whole lot of camo enthusiasts out there. Heck, I've got a pair of camo britches and ball cap too, but still...

Imagine Bubba, who lives in the East Texas piney woods, comes home late one night after hefting a few at the Dew Drop Inn with a few buddies and can't find his house. "Dang," he thinks, "I thought fer sure I left it behind that dang truck up on blocks!"

“While we would be thrilled to see a whole sub-division of homes in WildSide siding, we are focused on the outdoor enthusiast who has been hunting for a way to showcase their love of the outdoors on a grander scale,” said Brad Johnson, Vice President, Marketing, Style Crest Building Products.

Well, we'll just have to see where this one goes. Or not.

A Woodshop Full of Saws

2009-03-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

In my shop the other day, it suddenly struck me how many saws I own. It's not like I'm obsessive-compulsive collector or pack rat, it's just that over the years they've accumulated.
Why? Because for one thing, of all the woodworking projects and on most of the remodeling contracts I've completed, almost all involved cutting in one form or another. You name it, siding, Hardiplank, fiber cement backer board, mitering baseboards, etc.

I've landed more than one contract through services like Angie's List.

Also, because if you want to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, you have to start with a silk sow. In other words, the way the finished product looks and works depend on all the steps. It's all the summation of the small steps along the way.

In order to yield precise cuts, you have to use the right saw for the job. Sometimes only a coping or a dovetail saw will do, for instance. Or the DeWalt track saw I received a few months ago to do a review of.

Sometimes, it's a beautiful thing to be a freelance writer. I get lots of stuff to write reviews of. Books, tools, gadgets, and more. I only take those assignments if I think it's a quality product.

I'm always impartial, but I'm not going to set out to review something I can tell is junk right out of the starting blocks.

If this keeps up, I'm going to need a bigger shop...

I hope you enjoyed this post read more free tools and woodworking articles at my site.

Plumbing Repair with ACE DuraFlow

2009-02-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

One of the principal problems with galvanized steel and copper residential pipes is one shared with humans: it doesn't last forever!

No solution for humans, I'm afraid, but there are two ways to fix corroded pipes. The first, and messiest, it to rip out the old ones and replace them. This is expensive because of the new pipe, opening and repairing walls, and the labor associated with all of that.

Listening to a local home improvement show on the radio last week, I learned of a better way. It's much less intrusive and it's a green remodeling or repair method, since the old pipes don't end up in the land fill.

It's a process developed by ACE DuraFlow. Essentially, the plumbing is opened up on both ends, the pipes are cleaned out, and then the insides are epoxy-coated.

Wait, it gets better! The walls don't have to be opened up. You don't have to buy new pipe. No drywall repair. And, the metal is now isolated from water, so future corrosion is reduced, if not eliminated altogether.

I might have to get this done on my own home at some point. I already know of one cancerous pipe. That EZ Weld isn't going to last forever either...

Beware of Tainted Chinese Drywall

2009-02-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

I ran across this story in the St. Petersburgs Times out of Florida. It seems that during 2005 and 2006, some home construction companies decided that the lower costs that globalization brings was a good thing.

They went shopping for their drywall in China, unwilling to pay for higher quality domestic building materials. This effort to cut corners has cost them dearly, and some homeowners, unfortunately. It seems they didn't catch on with the Chinese toothpaste (with antifreeze, yum) and toys (painted with lead which injured American children).

This drywall, notably manufactured by Knauf Plasterboard, Tianjin Co., emits sulfur gasses. No health risks noted yet, but that doesn't mean it's not offensive. I don't think it comes with a supply of Febreze.

The principal issue is that the gas corrodes metal. This means residential electrical wiring, some plumbing pipes, and some central air conditioner components such as copper HVAC coils. The cost-cutting move may have put a few more dollars in contractors pockets, but it really hammered homeowners already in a bad economic position.

Isn't it bad enough that Americans can't even get construction jobs anymore because state and federal officials turn a blind eye to greedy contractors hiring illegal aliens? Oh wait, how un-inclusive of me; I meant "guest workers". My bad.

So far, the main afflicted areas are Manatee, Sarasota and Lee counties, Pinellas, St. Lucie and Collier. If you own a home built during the time this drywall was installed, and it was used, you certainly have my sympathy. Si, senor. Ya me voy.

More Roofing Choices than Ever

2009-02-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Hurricane Ike passed smack dab over my house. I was up most of the night listening to the wind howl like a pack of psychotic wolves. We did alright - just lost some picket fencing.

Others were not so lucky. Down on the coast (two miles away), along Toddville Road, it was mostly devastation.

Many homes had roof damage. And yes, there are still blue FEMA tarps on homes here and there. Luckily, insurance will cover most folks. And the roofing material choices are better than ever.

Metal roofs are the way to go if your pockets are deep enough. Of course, many homeowner associations (neighborhood Nazis) won't allow them. Some will though, if they're the style that look like shingles.

Shingles. They're not what they once were. Modern asphalt composition shingles are available to resist wind, fire, and hail. My favorite are architectural shingles. I had a roofing contractor that I found through Angie's List. re-roof my home with them last year.

Now, if we don't have any hurricanes for a while...

Contraband Toilets?

2009-02-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true, odd as it may sound. So many people are dissatisfied with low-flow toilets that regular tank models have become a hot commodity. They're slipped over the border from Canada to the US under the cover of darkness.

They're still legal up there. Years ago, smuggling liquor was the hot ticket, now it's commodes. It's a goofy ol' world, as John Prine reminds us.

If you've still got your old toilet, I urge you to keep it when you remodel. If it acts up, it's a snap to fix common toilet problems. Nine times out of ten, the easiest thing to do is just replace the guts with a new Fluidmaster fill valve and flapper. Under $10 at home Depot. Such a deal.

Not long ago, there was a report on the radio (I listen to the radio all day as I write) about some global summit aimed at improving the availability of clean drinking water throughout the world. I recognize that it's a serious problem, but the proposed solution was kind of a head-scratcher.

They suggested switching all our toilets to waterless models. I would have thought desalination plants. But then again, I'm not a hot shot scientist. If they did ever mandate that, I'd have to become a plumber!

Bi-Fold Doors and Laminate Floors

2009-02-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

There's no denying that laminate is an increasingly popular building material. But since it's a floating floor system, it comes with its own set of challenges. The main one is that you really shouldn't do anything to impede it from floating. Obviously.

One of these challenges is when mounting the pivot bracket when installing a bi-fold door. These doors are popular for closets and in other places, like clothes washer alcoves in apartments, where every square inch of real estate must be used.

Essentially, the trick is to cut the hole in the laminate larger than it needs to be while not making it too obvious. Reader Mark Sick clued me in to how he solved this particular dilemma by using a minimalist approach using a metal sleeve from Home Depot. And he did it economically. Now that's a DIYer!

The most important consideration is to start with a door that doesn't use a guide track on the floor. Obviously, that would complicate things significantly. And as Mark pointed out to me, those tracks are the source of headaches. They are dust and dirt magnets.

I hope this post solved a challenge for you or at least entertained you. Visit my site to read more free home improvement articles and drop me an email to let me know how you solved a DIY challenge. Mail me at admin@icanfixupmyhome.com.

Woodworking Glue Continues to Evolve

2009-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

Back in the old days (really old days), the only woodworking adhesive commonly used was hide glue, so named for being made from steer hide and collagen. Things have been on the move since then.

Hide glue is still in use. If you are refinishing a piece of antique furniture that was built with it you'll have to use it to maintain the value of the piece. It's a bit hard to locate but you can buy hide glue online at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Superstore.

Other glues on the market are now being produced to fill niche market needs. There's your construction adhesive like Liquid Nails, epoxy glue, water-resistant formulations, and so on.

I recently bought some Loctite marine epoxy glue. The eye on the end of my spinning rod snapped off (don't ask, Oy Vey!) so I bought a new one at the local Marburger's Sporting Goods store. I plan on using the epoxy to attach it.

Speaking of fishing, it's too dadgum cold to go today. But towards the end of the week it should be better. Fishing in the bay this spring is going to be a learning experience. Hurricane Ike changed the bay floor so much that the old honey holes no longer apply.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make that repair!

Best Christmas Gift Ideas for DIYers

2008-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, the economy is in the tank. Entry level Christmas trees have gone from last year's $19.95 to $29.95. Enough with Wall Street and the bloated auto industry, are we going to have to bail out the holiday festivity industry as well?

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But whichever way the wind blows from now until Santa flies, people will buy Christmas presents. The question is what?

Hand Tools, Anyone?

I may not know a silk tie from a Garmin, but I do know tools. And what better to give a DIYer than a gift box of hand tools? Real estate is not moving just now, so it makes sense to fix up the home you've already got.

This is actually a good time for this because the big box stores like Home Depot usually put up some good sales. Internet gift shopping is also big this holiday season.

Baby, it's Cold Outside

I know a lot of you are already into the snow. I kind of remember what that's like from the time I was stationed in Maine. Not so here in South Texas. It was in the low 60s yesterday. Brrr. Hey, but it's a humidity-infused chill, OK?

Christmas Sneaks up Once Again

2008-11-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe sneaking up isn't the right phrase. After all, Wal Mart has had their Christmas stuff out for about three months now. It's just arriving so quickly.

This Year I Pledge to Avoid the Christmas Rush

Yeah right! Like that's going to happen. But one thing I want to do is try out LED Christmas lights. I'm all about going on the cheap with the electricity bill. And they say they last forever. Troubleshooting light strings is not my favorite chores.

We'll probably end up going to the Christmas tree farm and chopping down a choice one. We missed doing it last year because the tree rancher was giving the land a break. He just raises them for fun so he can afford to do it right.

Pre-Winter Chores

Actually, come to think about it, doing the holiday decorating is a great time to take care of those change of season chores. Home maintenance never ends. No complaints though. I'm lucky enough not to be an ARM or sub-prime mortgage volunteers, uh, I mean victims. Locked in at 6% and glad of it.

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early

This is something I've always wanted to try! It's one of those things most people keep saying they're going to do so as to avoid the crowds. I don't mind being out there in the mall on December 24, as long as I'm not standing in line. I just like the people-watching aspect of it.

No, this year I'm going to do my shopping on the Internet. Low stress, no mess...

Select a Roof Contractor with Caution

2008-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Those of you that read this blog know that I recently underwent the Hurricane Ike experience. That was one rip-roaring ride!

Anytime a storm of this magnitude happens, folks experience roofing problems. The big blue FEMA tarps are still all over the place. Since my roof is new, I didn't have any roof issues (knock on wood). But a lot of my neighbors weren't so lucky.

What Kind of Roof Material do You Want?

If your home insurance company is paying for a complete new roof, this is the time to ask yourself flavor you want, a metal roof or composition shingles. Composition is cheaper but steel shingles or panels last longer and boost home equity.

How to Hire a Roofing Contractor

Man, this is an important issue. There are a lot of "storm chasers" out there. Easy to spot - out of state license plates. Even Houston's Mayor White is running radio ads warning citizens to use caution. They may be professional or they may not. The bottom line is that they won't be around later, no matter what their warranty says.

So, what to do? Follow a vetting checklist and do your homework. Only then hire a roofing company and accept the bid.

What's on the Contractor Checklist?

Basic things, mostly.

Check the company history.
Get references.
Call the BBB.
Ask to see and verify bonding and insurance paperwork.
Is everyone on the construction crew working legally in this country? (If they cheat here to cut corners, they'll cheat other ways.)

Do these things and you'll do well!

Relocating? Use a Professional Mover!

2008-10-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

The real estate market is in flux, but that doesn't mean that people aren't changing homes. Companies relocate employees and some folks are taking advantage of lower priced homes on the real estate market just now.

The last time I moved, I did it all myself. I didn't realize I had so much stuff. Especially stuff that I didn't need. What a hassle! The next time I'm going to let the professional movers do the heavy lifting for me. Especially my table saw and other assorted power tools.

I've been known to pinch a penny or two, so you can be sure I'll shop around for removal quotes. Not only do I not want to pack and move my stuff, I don't want to carry it up the stairs at the new place, either!

Of course, one of the first thing (and most necessary one) is to shop around for mortgage quotes. The rates are still quite low and the rumors have it that the Fed is going to cut the prime rate again, which will free up more credit in the US, which will ripple across to the UK and the rest of Europe. Such is the effect of a global economy, as we recently found out.

Along with free mortgage quotes, there's the weather to think about. Planning and keeping an eye on the weather reports is crutial when relocating. Just last weekend I saw a poor slob driving along with his pick up truck loaded up with his furniture, electronics, etc. when the skies opened up, poured down the rain, and totally ruined his day. Or month. Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed...

Just another reason to use an insured professional moving company.

The great thing about moving to a new place is that if you plan it right, there's always a window of opportunity, before you move in, to get some serious DIY work done before all your belongings are in the way. Painting, installing new kitchen cabinets, and installing a new laminate floor come to mind.

These are a few things I prefer to do myself!

Real Estate Downturn? Remodel Your Bathroom!

2008-08-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

With the real estate slumping and the market flooded with foreclosed homes, it's no time to sell. Smart homeowners are turning this into an opportunity to remodel and add to their property's equity.

Money is not Being Spent on Summer Vacations

It's true! Most people are avoiding visiting the gasoline pump. Fuel is just too expensive, prompting folks to take "staycations". It makes for a golden opportunity to do some work around the house. Bathroom remodeling is particularly popular.

Floors can be a challenge. Laminate flooring like Pergo or Armstrong is not a good choice - it doesn't do well around water. Regular carpeting has the same problem. So are you stuck with tile? Nope. I read an article not long ago where a woman put in seagrass.

Seagrass Carpet Flooring?

I'd never heard of the stuff. But I found that because it comes from the water, it does well around water. Plus, it's a green building material and will be a sustainable resource as long as the oceans are around.

Walls? Paint or Wallpaper

These are the usual options. In one bathroom remodel I recently did, I removed wallpaper, floated the walls, used a knockdown drywall texture, and then painted.

So if you're looking for something to do as summer winds down, hang out at home and add to the value of your property.

Don't Let Credit Debt Control You

2008-08-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Debt. It's not a fun thing. The simple fact of the matter is that it's easier than ever to get stuck behind a mountain of bills. And like a snow covered mountain, at some point the avalanche is going to come tumbling down on your head - unless you do something proactive about it.

What can you do? Other than stopping eating, you can make a budget and get some credit counseling. It's fair to say that this is a happier strategy than the way it was taken care of in the old days: debtor's prison.

Been There, Done That

I found myself in this situation a few years back. After getting laid off from the IT industry, I decided to go into the handyman business. After all, I had the background and many of the needed tools.

I registered my DBA, let the state know I was going to be sending them money in the form of sales tax, bought some tools on credit, and started advertising. I owed Home Depot money for tools and material, and owed the local paper money for a weekly ad in the business card section.

Things slid downhill financially from there on. I hadn't taken into consideration that business in the handyman world didn't work like other businesses. It's unregulated, staffed by folks that don't collect or pay taxes.

Bottom line? I ended up living on a tight budget, not using any more credit, and finding other sources of income. But the upside is that I learned a lot about managing my finances.

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Landscaping and Bathroom Remodeling

2008-08-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

There's a Hurricane over in Florida and although it's too far away to affect me, I'm getting rain anyhow. And that's a welcome thing because the ground has been far too dry.

Removing a Tree Stump

The wet ground will make it easier to remove a tree stump in my yard. I've got other landscaping chores to do as well - if I can make the time. My neighbor is a real champ at working in her yard so it makes me look pretty bad by comparison.

Bathroom Remodeling

I'm still finishing up my bathroom remodel, but at least the end is in sight. The knockdown drywall texture I put on the walls and the blue color of paint that my daughter picked out came out looking pretty flashy, if I do say so myself.

What's left? Towel racks, baseboard, and door trim. At some point I'll change out the light fixture but it's fairly low on the to-do list.

Not too long ago I wrote an article on monorail pendant lights that has proven very popular. Perhaps I'll go that route. Light fixtures are like mattresses and plumbing fixtures, the sales mark-up are way out of line.

I guess I'm in the wrong business. Nah, writing is too much fun.

Kelly Smith
http://www.icanfixupmyhome.com

Health Insurance: Are You Covered?

2008-08-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

As they say, two things are certain - death and taxes. But don't forget the middle ground: injury and illness. Is the health care system important? You bet. Just look at the current and past political hype. The medical care system is one of the central issues.

There's no doubt about it; you need insurance. Traditionally, medical insurance has been underwritten by employers. But the work landscape has been changing radically. More and more people are self-employed or work for companies that provide no coverage.

Luckily, there are options. Take Kaiser Permanente Colorado and Kaiser Permanente Georgia for example. How is Kaiser different? They operate like a credit union in the sense that they're a non-profit company with no shareholders to lean on them for dividends. They leverage these savings to make health care insurance affordable for small company employees and self-employed workers.

I count myself among the self-employed. Luckily, I'm covered by my wife's plan, but what would happen I she lost her job? With Kaiser Permanente California I could take advantage of one of many options, such as a copayment plan, a deductable plan or a PPO plan, among others.

The bottom line? Make sure you've got coverage. Don't forget the middle ground between death and taxes! A portion of this blog's content is sponsor supported.

How About Those Tankless Water Heaters!

2008-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Jeeze, you wouldn't think that in the middle of the Southern summer I'd be concerned about a hot shower. But I am!

Whether I'm lathering up up at the gym or just trying to be a bit more, um, sociable, at home, I really like my hot showers. But did you know that hot water production eats up to 14% of your home utility bills?

Try a Tankless Water Heater

So what the heck can you do about it? Well, you can stop bathing, but I don't think that's going to garner you many fans. Why not cut your losses with a tankless water heater?

These are also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters and have long been popular in Europe. Lately they have been getting a wider fan base is North America due to high energy costs.

For the past 30 years or so they have been growing in popularity. Coupled with an alternative energy plan, this option could really save you some similar bucks.

DIY Install or Pro?

Do you want to do the job yourself? Good question. It's not really a hard job but you might get installation for free just for doing the deal. Also, if you are installing a gas-fired water heater, you'll probably need an inspection.

If you can sweat copper pipes (pretty simple for my intrepid DIY readers!) you're on your way. Otherwise, pressure your dealer to install for free. Believe me, if he doesn't want to make the sale, you don't need to be doing business with him!

Using a Contractor Directory

2008-08-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Face it, there are times when even the most intrepid DIY'er has a task that he or she just doesn't want to tackle. Don't have the equipment? Don't have the time? Just don't want to dive into that septic tank? Your solution might just be using a contractor directory.

Build a Professional Relationship

Some of these services are very regional but the best ones stretch far and wide and are very comprehensive with respect to the trades they represent. Take Portland Contractors for example. The upside of using a directory like this is that you can develop a relationship with one company, rather than a new one every time you need help.

Look for a Range of Services

You might think changing out a toilet is the only task you don't want to handle but what happens when you're out of town and a pipe bursts? You need a plumber anyhow. Sheetrock repair? Simple job but once again, if you're out of pocket, well, you are.

Bottom line? Keep your DIY hat, but hook up with a contractor Directory as well. A portion of this blog's content is sponsor supported.

Wrestling with a Wireless Network

2008-08-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Since I find myself vying with my daughter for the computer's pilot seat this summer while school's out, I decided to set her up a box of her own. I had an old Compaq Proliant sever gathering dust, so I set that up.

Why Linux? I'm cheap!

I was always a UNIX/Linux guy when I was coding, plus I'm cheap, so it made sense to use an open source OS rather than a Micro$oft product (the server wasn't formatted). So I put Ubuntu on it.

Plenty of games. Yay! However, it only took about five minutes to hear, "Awwww, there's no Internet!"

OK, so I installed a Linksys broadband router between cable modem and my primary PC. So far, so good. Now I've just got to get the Linux box to see it. Challenges, challenges.

But Back to Work...

But I can only spend so much time pulling my hair out fussing with drivers and cables. Still got to make a living so I wrote an article on installing suspended acoustical ceilings. There was a time when I used to do that for a living.

So I've done blue collar gigs and white collar gigs in my time. Which one's better? It depends on how you look at it. Desk jockeys make more money, but construction work can't be outsourced overseas. Not yet anyway.

Gotta Love Home Improvement Shows

2008-08-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

My wife spends a lot of time watching those popular home makeover shows. Are they reality shows? Are they personality shows? Are they educational shows? Are they thinly-disguised shills for Home Depot and Lowes?

All of the above, I'm afraid. But that's alright - it gets homeowners busy doing their own home makeovers. That's aces in my book because that's the business I'm in: showing homeowners how to DIY and tackle remodeling projects.

They Sometimes get it Wrong...

Many times I catch myself walking through the room when one of these shows is on, and I overhear myself saying, "No, that's just wrong!"

I'll be the first to admit, sometimes I'm partly wrong too. Well, not wrong, just of another opinion. In most projects, there's more than one way to skin a cat. For example, one time, the macho DIY guy was doing a backyard project.

He was going on and on saying, "We're using Red Cedar for this project because it's weather resistant and it's a renewable resource!" What?? So since when isn't pressure-treated pine not weather resistant and a renewable resource?

Bottom line is that a whole lot of people are going to go out and spend extra money they don't need to because they think they're saving the environment.

Keep it Simple

Another time, they advised the viewers to go out and rent a compressor and hopper to texture a room. Ow! Messy, expensive, and not needed; not when there are simple ways to texture drywall.

Turbo-Speed Home Makeover

Another thing I find interesting about those shows is the speed with which they complete the projects. Never worked for me! For one thing, I always run into something unexpected that demands a clever workaround.

I usually need something I don't have or decide I want and end up going to the local home improvement center. (OK, I just like shopping there!)

Anyhow, TV networks, keep those shows coming! You inspire us all and give emerging designers a platform for exposure. And my wife keeps me busy...

Attic Ventilation Lowers Utility Bills

2008-08-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sure, you've maxed out your attic's recommended insulation R-value. But don't start loafing quite yet; there's still work to be done to take the load off your AC and wallet.

Categories of Attic Vents

Installing an attic vent is a simple DIY project and in most cases you can be done in a couple of hours. There are two categories of vents/fans. The first kind is passive roof venting. This includes turbine or whirlybird fans as well as ridge vents.

The second category is the active vent. These are electrical; either home-wired or solar powered. These are activated and shut off by thermostats and occasionally, humidistats. These are mounted either on the roof top or on the gables.

Installing Attic Vents

Ridge vents run the length of the roof ridge and are best installed during new construction and when doing a re-roofing job. The shingles on the vents will match the roof shingles so the look is very slick.

Turbine and power vent installation can be done at any time. It involves computing the attic CFM requirement, cutting a hole in the roof, and installing the unit. Some wiring is required on electrical powered units.

Are Solar Powered Vents Worthwhile?

Sadly, the answer at this point is no. While we would all love to adhere to green building practices, the pennies just don't add up here. Why? Solar powered units are expensive and direct-wired ones use very little juice compared to what they shave off utility bills.

Of course, if you just install a whirlybird (turbine), there is no external electricity involved. The fins on the globe spin in the wind and draw cooler air through your soffit vents and hotter air out of the attic.

Modern ones have sealed bearing races. They never need lubing and run silent, like a submarine in stealth mode.

Which ever way you decide to go, your options are wide open. Chill out.

Anitques: Not Just Used Furniture

2008-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

When my sister lived in Europe, she told me that many folks there considered antiques to be just "used furniture". Not so here in the USA. We like out antiques although we do have our share of used furniture. Shabby particle board comes to mind there!

So why do we have such a different view of antique pieces? It probably has a lot to do with the relative young age of our country compared to our European cousins. We also have strong feelings for our immigrant roots, while Europe is where, well, where we emigrated from.

Restore and Refinish Your Antiques

What can you do to preserve the value of your pieces? Refinish your antique furniture, that's what! There are a few important considerations. Most importantly, you must use authentic period materials.

For example, in almost all cases, you'll have to use hide glue if gluing is required. Got surface crazing? You're going to want to leave that.

To Use It, or Not to Use It; That is the Question

There's always that question and it depends on the individual. I have a fondness for vintage fountain pens (an obsession actually; just ask my long-suffering wife). The same question arises in the pen world. Use them or put them in display cases?

I use all of mine. Right now I've got my Parker Vacumatic (plunger filler) in rotation; having just set aside my Eversharp Skyline. But I digress. I favor using antique furniture too. It will still be around when I'm reduced to dust, and I could care less if anyone faults me for using it.

Should you use yours or showcase it? That's your decision. But whatever you decide, take the time to bring it back to life. It's likely made from better materials than you'll find in new furniture.

Remodeling Made Easy: Prehung Doors

2008-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

In a world where everything is compartmentalized, shrink-wrapped, solid-state, and plug 'n play, it's no surprise the construction market is responding with some ease of use strategies of their own.

Case in point - prehung doors. The concept isn't new; in fact, Home Depot is full of them. The issue is that most homeowners still see hanging doors as something mysterious. The fact of the matter is, installing a prehung door is easy if you just follow the sequence of steps; 1,2,3...

Variety is the Spice of Life

Yes, it's true even with doors. Prehung doors can be had as elegant mahogany entry doors or the lowly hollow-core interior closet door. No matter, they're all simple to work with, barring existing complications.

These kind of doors have long been the mainstay for commercial exterior doors; not the pretty front glass ones with the displays, but the heavy steel ones lurking out back in the alley by the dumpster.

I've installed a lot of these in my day, and thank goodness for the sturdy steel "spreader" at the base of the jambs. The block masons tend to knock things out of whack.

Time is of the Essence

The only time things are critical is when you're installing your home's front, back, or side door. Why? Well, you want to be able to lock up at night when you go to bed. The trick is to make sure you've got all your tools and materials laid out and get an early start.

Acoustic Drywall - Shhhh!

2008-07-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Acoustic drywall - is it soundproof? Well, not really. Just like you don't run into too many waterproof watches, just a lot of water-resistant ones. It's one of the best acoustical solutions in many situations though.

When Would You Use Sound - Dampening Drywall?

The best time to use this product is during new construction or during a remodel. It's possible to simply add a layer over an existing wall, but in most cases, the offset problems created make this impractical.

There's one situation that would make me go to the trouble of dealing with the offset issues - when installing a home theater.

QuietRock, Brought to You From Quiet Solution

Quiet Solution is a division of Serious Materials and is really at the forefront of this technology. Their solution of putting sound control in the wall itself sidesteps traditional techniques such as suspended baffles and wall-mounted acoustic panels.

The range of their customers speak volumes about the effectiveness of the product: Usher, Snoop Dog, KB Homes, Hitachi, Marriott, Hyatt Hotels, Ozzy Osbourne, and others.

QuietRock Installation

Acoustical drywall is installed just like regular drywall. If you can tape and float drywall already, you've got all the skills in your toolbox already.

Vintage Kitchen Cabinets - Very Retro!

2008-07-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

The two rooms in your home that are gold in your pocket, from an equity point of view, are your bathroom and your kitchen. That's what a realtor told me. Given that fact, a bath or a kitchen remodeling project make sense. And some homeowners are opting for vintage kitchen cabinets.

Why a Vintage Kitchen?

Good question. There are three main reasons that make sense to me:

For the same reason people gravitate towards comfort food in hard economic times. There's comfort in the old days and old ways.
Functionality. Before microwaves, dishwashers, and trash compactors, things had to work. Things like hoosier cabinets. Things like California coolers. And things like vintage kitchen cabinets that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. Now that's storage space!
Finally, it's stylish! Families are spending more time in the kitchen, just like they did in the days before dens with cheap paneling and shag carpets were hip.

Ceramic Tile Counter Tops VS Granite

Granite counter tops are currently very popular. But they're also quite expensive. Ceramic tile is just as attractive, cheaper, and at least as durable. Vintage kitchens were very big on tile after they got away from wood.

And they came up with some very attractive color patterns. How about jadite green with black? Or burgandy and yellow? If you go this route, be sure to use a top-notch grout sealer.

So indulge yourself with a kitchen makeover. This is certainly not the time to put your home on the market to trade up. Why not juice up your current home equity instead?

Supplemental Energy: Solar Panels

2008-07-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

The current energy crisis seems to have everyone on the hot seat. Something of a similar nature seems to rear its ugly head every few years. Is it time for supplemental residential alternative energy? I think so. How about solar power?

The Benefits of Solar Energy

The benefits of solar energy are many. For one thing, there's no OPEC for energy captured by residential solar panels. Whereas the supply of petroleum can be manipulated, radiant energy cannot.

Installing PV (PhotoVoltaic) panels at at the home makes the homeowner eligible for certain state and federal tax benefits. The fact that this monetary incentive is provided indicates that the government might bankroll research for this type of alternative energy source.

Is Solar Energy Cost Effective?

In a nutshell, yes. There are up-front costs of course, but PV panels are extremely low-maintenance. Pay now, save long term. When you shop for panels, you'll need to consider the dollars per watt ratio.

Also, keep in mind that each panel model is rated by its conversion efficiency ratio. Taking these two analysis tool into consideration should help you make the right green electricity decisions for your personal situation.

Who Makes Solar Panels?

I found six major credible solar panel manufacturers. This isn't a totally inclusive list, of course, but I centered my research on companies that are already heavily funded in energy production. This gives them more research and development funding than a start-up might have.

The list includes BP, Kyosera, Suntech, Evergreen Spruce, Sharp, and General Electric. Suntech was recently chosen to power Bird’s Nest Stadium for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

Is solar power for you? Only you can decide. But if you're considering putting a new roof on your home, this is the time to consider it.

How to Hang Wallpaper

2008-07-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Trends in home decor are just like clothing and social attitudes: they swing back and forth like a pendulum. Paint or wallpaper, paint or wallpaper? Decisions, decisions.

Wallcovering Items: Wallpaper and Borders

Other than paint, these are the two things next in line that folks use to dress up their rooms. Use one or both for a quick decor redo. Either way, the first thing you'll have to do is prepare the wall for wallpaper.

This is easy enough on new construction, but involves a few more steps with a remodel project. As long as you're comfortable with, or willing to learn, drywall taping and floating, it's not a problem.

Hanging Your Wallpaper

Got the walls ready? All you've got to do now is finish the job. That means doing the work. It's not a tough task but it does take some patience and close attention to detail.

At this point you can hire a wallpaper contractor or hang the wallpaper yourself. I recommend doing it yourself, with a helper if possible.

Depending on how comfortable you feel with the job, you can buy regular residential paper or commercial rolls. The main difference is that the commercial stuff is twice as wide. This will make the job go faster if you have a large area to do with lots of long walls.

My Evolving Workshop

2008-07-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'll bet some of you are like me; your home workshop leaves a little to be desired, size-wise. Mine is the garage. This means you have to be creative in how you set it up and what you stock it up with.

Using Benchtop Power Supplies

Since your work space comes at a premium, this means a lot of benchtop power tools. A grinder, drill press, table saw, and more. This means installing a convenient benchtop power supply. Mine is in the form of a heavy-duty strip.

Since my workbench is on locking casters, when I move it around I connect it with a heavy-duty extension cord. If you do this, do it safely and be sure it can handle the load!

Using Benchtop Tools

Although my bench has a large drawer (boasting my very first attempt at hand-cut dovetail joints), it's pretty much wide open to store the tools that rotate off the top, depending on what project I'm working on.

When do I need to wheel it out? Mainly to use the benchtop table saw with extensions.

Future Workshop Plans

As you can imagine, the work, uh, I mean fun, is never done. The woodshop is the ever-evolving beast. In the future, I'd like to...

Design and build a good dust collection system.
Find a more efficient way to store lumber.
Re-design my odds-and-ends storage.

So, instead of doing, I sit here writing. But I am a freelance writer to support my DIY habit. You can relate, right?

Home Office Refurbishment Tips

2008-06-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Recent estimates report that 33% of Americans are self-employed in some capacity. Now, the report didn't break it down into full-time or part-time details, but it means one thing for certain - lots of home offices! Whether you're remodeling a bedroom into your office, or remodeling your current one, you can use these home office refurbishment tips.

Office Interior Lighting

All interior lighting is not the same. In the office, in particular, it falls in three distinct categories: general, task, and accent lighting. How much of each you use depends on your needs. General lighting is usually implemented with overhead fluorescent fixtures.

Task lighting is used to focus on your work area to avoid eye strain. Good choices here are undercabinet, track, monorail, or Y lighting systems with halogen or LED bulbs.

Accent lighting usually illuminates artwork. This is taken care of with ceiling-mounted fixtures.

Buy Ergonomic Furniture

This is important for your comfort and long-term health. The two most critical pieces are an ergonomic office chair and computer desk. Before shopping, know what you need. Draw a detailed plan noting where things should be situated.

Although it might be tempting to do so, I wouldn't recommend placing the fax, copier, and printer where you can just reach over to make a quick paper grab. Why? Because you need to get out of your chair now and then to get the blood flowing!

Flooring - Choose Wisely

You've got many choices when it comes to flooring. Carpet is the best choice for sound control and if you'll be spending a lot of time on your feet. The downside is that occasionally you'll have to hire carpet cleaners.

Are you after a a more contemporary look? You might consider laminate or hardwood flooring.

When it comes to sprucing up your home office, consider that you'll be spending more time in there than you would a conventional office. Plan accordingly.

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Air Conditioners and Swamp Coolers

2008-05-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Since it's summer, one of the topics I've been writing on is air conditioners. If you've got one, it's time to tune it up. If it's too far gone, it's a great time to install a new one. The SEER ratings are high, Energy Star abounds, and if you live in the U.S., you've probably got a tax rebate.

Another thing to do in the spring or early summer is tune up the thermostat. Hardly anyone does this.

The thing about A/C units is that there's many options. Do you want to cool just the living room during the day but the bedroom at night? Get a portable air conditioner. How about cooling just one room all the time? Consider a window-mounted unit.

During my research, I delved into the world of swamp coolers, or evaporative coolers, as they're also called. I've never lived in the desert so I didn't have first hand knowledge of them. But I was surprised to learn how closely they resemble the cooling towers that I've worked with.

A swamp cooler is very simple compared to a central air conditioner. A central unit has a condenser unit, evaporator coils, and a closed system with refrigerant and oil. A swamp cooler is just a box with water soaked blanket pads hanging inside.

Did you find this article helpful? Visit me at www.ksmithwriter.com/.

Choosing the Proper Home Insulation

2008-05-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Of all the energy-saving, utility bill-cutting approaches that are employed in the modern home, insulation is the best publicized. Why? It's the cheapest method of making your home energy efficient. Attic insulation, wall insulation, floors and crawlspaces, it's all recommended. But which type is the best for the job? The answer, it turns out, is, "It depends".

Which Kind of Insulation is Best?

This depends on:

Your budget - How much will you spend VS how much you'll save on utility bills.
What's available locally - This can affect how much you'll pay for material.
The area to be insulated - Different areas of the home have different needs.
How much insulation needs to be installed - How much square footage will be covered?
Method of application - Will you roll it out? Will an insulation contractor spray it?

R-Value Considerations

An insulation's R-Value is it's resistance to heat flow (out in the winter, in during the summer). The higher the number, the better. The insulation's data sheet or packaging will give you a number, but there are other factors to consider.

For example, fiberglass batts installed between exterior wall studs will give you a certain R-Value, but heat will still flow through the studs. This is an example of thermal bridging. Little can be done here except using insulating sheathing or using an alternative framing technology such as SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) or ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms).

Density also has an effect. For example, fiberglass batts will only give the rated insulating value if they are normally "fluffed out", not compressed into a smaller space than they were designed for.

Types of Insulation

Blanket insulation - This may be purchased in either batts or rolls. In areas such as attics, rolls are easier to install. Batts work well in walls between studs. The paper tabs are stapled to the studs to keep the batts from settling down over time, victims of the force of gravity.

Blown-in loose fill insulation - This is usually rock wool, cellulose, or fiberglass. It works well in attics and requires pneumatic equipment. Either an insulation contractor can be hired or you can rent the equipment and DIY.

Foam insulation - This can either be open-celled or closed-celled. This type is also sprayed on. The open-cell insulation allows for moisture to move through it but has a lower R-Value than closed cell.

Radiant barrier - This can either be a powder that is mixed with latex paint or a radiant barrier foil product. The radiant barrier paint can be sprayed on the underside of the roof sheathing or rolled/sprayed onto walls. The foil is claimed to work better on the roof sheathing in the attic but some claim that it interferes will cell phone reception.