Home Addition

Spring Deck Check

2012-01-28T08:14:00.002-05:00

Keep your Deck Looking Like New by Checking it out Every Spring and Maintaining it as Necessary

By Mark J. Donovan

When the weather begins to get a bit milder in early spring make sure to do a deck check. The best time to do deck check is just before you decide to pull out the grill for the warmer months. The winter months can be tough on a deck between the snow, ice and extreme cold temperatures. Snow left on the deck all winter can eat away at the deck stain or sealer and can potentially cause deck rot issues. If the deck surface looks grey or there is peeling exhibited, plan to seal or stain your deck promptly, as soon as the temperatures are sufficiently warm.

As part of the deck check also inspect for loose decking boards, popped deck fasteners and dry rot. Make sure to lift any flower pots or other items that may have been sitting on your deck all winter. Often deck rot starts under these items. Also check the underside of the deck, if you can get to it, to make sure the deck posts and framing look sound. Water and ice, as well as frost heaves, can potentially cause structural damage to the deck making it unsafe for use. In addition, check any deck flashing to make sure it hasn’t failed or been damaged.

Finally, if you do need to re-stain your deck, make sure to do it under mild temperature conditions, e.g. above 50 degrees (F). Also make sure the deck has been spotlessly cleaned and repaired prior to staining. The deck should also be thoroughly dry prior to staining. If the deck surface looks dull after cleaning it apply a brightener to bring out the grain wood colors again.

2012 Housing Market Poised to Be Anemic

2012-01-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

The latest new home construction forecasts coming out for 2012 suggest that it won’t be much better than 2011, even with 30 year fixed mortgages sub 4%. With unemployment still at very high levels, wages stagnant for those who are working, and banks still tight in lending money, it’s understandable that the future home construction market looks flat. One report suggested one of the few bright spots will be the New York City area. Not surprising, since that’s where much of the country’s wealth resides.

The only positive news out of the forecasts is the fact that there is some stabilization in the housing market. Also, every politician running for president understands that the housing market is key for lifting the U.S. economy out of its funk. Hopefully the American public will figure out who’s the best man for the job in actually coming up with a real plan to fix the problem. Certainly the one in office has no clue. So for now, the residential building industry just needs to continue to wait it out and hope for some real change in November.

New Years Eve is a Time for Reflection and Hope

2011-12-30T19:34:00.002-05:00

A Message of Optimism for 2012

By Mark J. Donovan

My daughter commented this morning that New Years Eve is anticlimactic and that she doesn’t really understand what all the fuss and excitement is about. Though I can understand her point of view to some extent, as I’ve watched the ball drop in Time Square every year from the comfort of my sofa for as long as I can remember, I explained to her that New Years Eve represents a time of reflection and hope. That it’s a time when we think about all that was and wasn’t accomplished in the past year, and what we dream to accomplish in the year ahead.

For me this past year was a good year. The family was all healthy, the kids did well in school and their careers, my job went well, and I finally got my private pilot’s certificate. I also got a chance to visit a number of areas of the world including Europe, Asia, California, and the Caribbean. Considering the state of our country and the economic and political upheavals around the world, I feel very fortunate. About the only personal negative was Google’s Panda search engine update that continued to plague HomeAdditionPlus.com and much of the rest of the internet in 2011. But even monopolistic Google couldn’t dampen my spirits that much this year.

I’m also very hopeful for the year ahead. 2012 is a presidential election year and I’m very optimistic that the Great Pretender will be sent packing and will be replaced by a person of real substance and experience. With even just the hope of real change in the political climate, I’m confident the stock market will continue to rise, and that the businesses climate will improve and more people will find jobs. Simply the thought of a new political leadership landscape that is interested in producing more domestic oil in North America alone in the next 12 to 18 months should be a boon for the economy as soon as the first half of 2012. Couple that thought with less red tape for businesses and a stable tax environment, corporations and the stock market should be giddy in the months ahead. And yes, that giddiness will trickle down in the form of new jobs and hiring, and an improved housing market. My only real fear is that people won’t realize why the stock market is rallying prior to the presidential election and that the Great Pretender gets re-elected. To be crystal clear, the stock market will rally because of future expectations, rather than current economic policies that have hamstrung this country for 3 plus years.

For Europe I’m also hopeful. Although, I believe more days of reckoning are still ahead for them in the next 3 to 6 months and that their economic maturity growing pains will inflict occasional aches on the world markets. With an improving United States economy, however, I believe the aches felt around the world will be tempered. I also think China will see renewed growth as their inflation levels are beginning to recede. With lower inflation, the Chinese government will be able to go back to its policies of pro-growth by easing its monetary policy.

The only real concern in 2012 is the Middle East. It will most likely continue to be a hotbed of fomenting political hatred between its own people and factions in Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Diplomacy, and the threat of a big stick, will be key to keeping the peace inside and outside of those countries.

So to conclude, 2011 was again another difficult year for the world including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. No doubt 2012 will have its challenges as well, particularly in the Middle East. However, I am very optimistic for the United States. I believe with a change in the White House the citizens of this country will rally to a President who is truly proud of his country and communicates a positive message to its people.

Installed a New Pull Chain Light Fixture

2011-12-30T13:58:00.002-05:00

Spent Yesterday Morning Replacing an Old Pull Chain Light Fixture

By Mark J. Donovan

With time off this week I’ve been making a few minor home repairs around the house. Yesterday morning’s project was installing a new pull chain light fixture in the basement. The light switch pull cord had snapped off at the base of the light fixture and there was virtually no way to reattach it. Consequently I found myself running off to the local home improvement center to find a replacement. The store had plastic ones for around $1 and porcelain ones for around $4. I went with the porcelain pull chain light fixture as it also had integrated into it an electrical outlet socket. I figured the socket could come in handy at some point.

Installing, or should I say replacing, a pull chain light fixture is very easy to do. Just make sure to turn off power at the main circuit panel before working on it. My pull chain light fixture broke in the ON position, so for a couple of weeks we simply rotated the bulb counterclockwise or clockwise to turn if OFF or ON. With the bulb screwed in and the light ON I simply had to confirm the bulb turned OFF when I threw the circuit breaker at the main panel to ensure there was no power feeding it.

I then loosened the two screws that held the light fixture to the electrical outlet box. Afterwards I pulled the fixture away from the outlet box and used a screwdriver to loosen the wires that were attached to it. There were two white wires attached to the silver screw and 2 gold wires attached to the gold screws. The bare ground wire was not attached.

I then wired in the new pull chain light fixture exactly as I had seen it with the old one. This one also had a green screw for the ground wire so I attached it as well. I then pushed the new light fixture in place and reattached the two mounting screws to hold it firmly up against the electrical outlet box. I then attached the pull string to the small chain that hung from the base of the unit.

Finally I screwed a light bulb into the socket and turned the circuit breaker back on. With one pull on the string my new pull chain light fixture was operational.

A Reflection from a Fishbowl View of Tokyo Japan

2011-12-11T03:46:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

As I spend this weekend whiling away the time looking out the 14th floor window of my hotel room in Tokyo, Japan, I can’t help but marvel and reflect at the sea of concrete and people as far as the eye can see. There’s a feeling of loneliness in me as I look out at such a sea of humanity. I’m not sure quite why. I’m sure some of the reason is I simply miss my family. But I also think it’s due heavily in part to how insignificant I realize each one of us is in relationship to the Earth and as a species as a whole. Looking down at street level I see waves of people scurrying to and from the Ikebukuro train station, each with their own purpose and mission. Each too with their own goals, hopes, and crosses to bear, as is the case with every human being.

Several floors below me there’s an outdoor Christian chapel associated with the hotel. In just this one weekend I’ve counted at least 6 weddings, with each bride in a beautiful white gown and their betrothed husband in a luxurious tuxedo. As each newlywed couple walked the short 50 feet from the stairs of the chapel to the back of the deck court yard, their family and friends clapped and tossed rose petals over their heads to celebrate their union. Such the dichotomy, to see so sacred and private an event between newly joined couples, against the unending background maze of concrete buildings. As I watched the weddings, it provided me with some reassuring comfort to see that there are still people out there in this world who believe in a religious value system and tradition. And even more so when you consider the fact that they appeared to be Christian weddings, in a country where the majority of citizens either practice Shinto or Buddhism.

At night, the Tokyo skyline is lit up in all directions. Most eerily is the sight of thousands of blinking red lights atop all the buildings. No two are in sync with each other. As a result, the night sky looks abuzz with a swarm of red flashing fireflies. There’s also the regular sound of two-tone sirens going by on the streets below. Often there is an accompanying amplified voice over the siren sound, most likely warning people to clear the road ahead. The voice seems to add a sense of panic to the situation, rather than urgency.

I think part of the emptiness I feel in Tokyo is also due in part to the country’s demographics. To say it’s a homogenous population is an understatement. As I walked the streets and train stations, amongst the tens of thousands of people I saw, only a handful were westerners. So different than the United States where it truly is a melting pot of races and cultures from all around the world. Consequently other than the hotel and airport, very few people speak any other language than Japanese. Similarly, restaurant choices are limited mainly to Japanese and Asian cuisine. Albeit I did find a McDonalds and a Krispy Kreme Donut store, but I chose not to patronage them.

But all this said, the Japanese are an extremely friendly and helpful people. All that I spoke with, or tried to speak with, worked with me to answer my questions or to point me in the right direction. Some even pulled out their cell phones to help translate words for me. I think it also helped that I learned a few basic Japanese words to show some respect for them and their country. Knowing how to say at least hello and thank you in the language associated with the country you’re visiting should be a must-do for every traveler.

So though I feel a little lost, humbled, and diminutive by the sheer size of Tokyo, Japan and its population, I can’t help but marvel and be encouraged to see that life still goes on at the most basic level between its people and its visitors in such a vast place. And when you consider that just a few short months ago this country faced one of the most cataclysmic and devastating events in recent history, it is even more encouraging to see how life continues to move forward. With the weekend nearly over now, my remaining days in Japan will be much faster pace with many customer visits and traveling throughout the country. And I look forward to it. But though I’ve missed my home and family this weekend, I’ve also appreciated the chance to see life from slightly afar and from a fishbowl. It continues to be a personal event for individuals and families, even in a city of 13 million plus people.

Popcorn Ceiling Repair

2011-12-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

How to Make a Popcorn Ceiling Patch

By Mark J. Donovan

Recently I began to notice in our bathroom a small patch of popcorn ceiling material falling away from the drywall ceiling. At first, the spot was only about 1 inch in diameter. However within a couple of weeks it increased to 2 to 3 inches in diameter. I wasn’t sure what the cause was due to the fact that there was no apparent water stain on or near the affected area. I went up into the attic to make sure there was indeed no water related issues that was causing the popcorn ceiling to pull away from the drywall. Again, I saw no telltale water signs that could indicate it was the source of my problem. In the end I chalked up the problem due to simply age. The home is nearly 23 years old and a bathroom has higher than normal moisture levels in it. Consequently I began figuring out my best solution for doing a popcorn ceiling repair.

There is a number of popcorn ceiling products on the market today that you can choose from to do small popcorn ceiling repairs. Normally I’ve used a simple tub of pre-mixed popcorn ceiling mixture and spread it using a small putty knife. Usually you can find pre-mixed popcorn ceiling mixture in various texture thicknesses, so you can typically find one that matches any popcorn ceiling texture.

For this popcorn ceiling repair project, however, I decided to try a spray on popcorn ceiling repair product. In a nutshell I was not happy with it. It sprayed all over the place and made quite the mess, even though I had placed a large sheet of cardboard under the affected area. In addition, it did not create a popcorn ceiling texture that resembled the existing ceiling. Consequently I ended up scraping it off and resorting to the tried and tested tub of pre-mixed popcorn ceiling mixture. I applied it with a 3 inch wide drywall taping knife. After 24 hours it dried to a white color that matched the ceiling color exactly. The patch is slightly noticeable due to a slight difference in texture appearance, however it is a far cry from looking up and seeing bare drywall.

When doing a popcorn ceiling repair project make sure to first scrape away the loose popcorn ceiling using a putty knife. If you do not do this you’ll end up with a bigger mess. As you attempt to apply the popcorn ceiling repair product you’ll wind up pulling off the existing loose popcorn ceiling material. Also, many of the popcorn ceiling repair products suggest priming the drywall area after removing the old popcorn ceiling mixture. I’ve not done this and have never had an issue with the repair popcorn ceiling mixture sticking to the drywall.

Free Contractor Directly List

2011-11-06T18:12:00.002-05:00

Sign Up for HouseSight and Get Access to Free Contractor Leads

By Mark J. Donovan

HomeAdditionPlus.com is preparing to release a new HouseSight service. The service is an online auction for connecting contractors with homeowners that are soliciting home remodeling contractor bids. There is no cost to contractors for signing up for the HouseSight contractor directly list. In addition, there are no lead referral fees. The only cost to contractors is a bid fee, and an additional commission fee for the winner of the project.

The online auction for submitting and bidding on home remodeling projects is simple. A HouseSight homeowner member submits a project for bid. HouseSight notifies contractors local to the project about the project opportunity. Contractors interested in the project fill out an online bid form and pay a small bid fee. Once the homeowner selects a contractor, he or she pays a final commission fee to HouseSight for the service. It’s that simple.

In addition, to the online bid solicitation/submission auction service, HouseSight also provides free business marketing services. Each HouseSight member, be it a homeowner or contractor, can post as many projects as they like on HouseSight. In addition, contractors can provide a link to their company website, along with contact information and a description of their services and of each uploaded project. And again, each HouseSight member can post as many projects as they like on the service.

So stop paying annual membership fees to other contractor directory lists, and paying contractor lead fees for each lead sent your way. Sign up for HouseSight today and pay for leads only when you want to pursue them, and start marketing your business to motivated homeowners.

Showcase your Home Remodeling & Building Projects and Get Free Contractor Leads

2011-10-18T12:38:00.006-05:00

If you haven’t visited HouseSight yet, check it out today!

It could help your business grow and cost you nothing.HouseSight is a home building/improvement themed social networking servicewhere homeowners, builders and contractors post pictures, videos anddescriptions of their various projects for other HouseSight visitors toview. The HouseSight service is free and you can create as many projectsas you’d like. Other contractors and builders find it a great place toadvertise their business, at zero cost. If interested, check it out at HouseSight!

Locate a Basement Remodeling Contractor and Get Basement Remodeling Quotes

2011-10-07T06:52:00.005-05:00

How to Locate The Right Basement Remodeling Contractor

By Mark J. Donovan

Are you looking at doing a basement remodel? Are you planning to do the work yourself or are you planning to hire a basement remodeling contractor. If you’re planning to do the latter, then you need my “Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet” from HomeAdditionPlus.com. My “Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet” will help you find the best basement remodeling contractor for the job. It includes an extensive questionnaire that you provide to your prospective basement remodeling contractors to fill out. You can then compare the completed questionnaires with each other and with my “Homeowner Advice” section in the bid sheet. By doing an apples-to-apples comparison of completed questionnaires and comparing answers to my homeowner advice tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to hire the right contractor for your basement remodeling project.

The “Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet” also provides a wealth of additional information including projected basement remodeling costs for a sample project, timelines for completing the various phases of a basement remodeling project, and types of basement materials you may want to consider using in your project. In addition, it includes a separate basement remodeling project estimator spreadsheet tool that you can download and use to estimate and track your actual basement remodeling costs. The “Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet" will inevitably save you a small fortune in money, time and hassles in completing your own basement remodel so check it out today.

Finding a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

2011-10-06T15:27:00.003-05:00

A Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Hiring Guide

By Mark J. Donovan

If you have plans for a new kitchen remodeling project make sure to take a look at my “Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet” from HomeAdditionPlus.com. It will help guide you through the search process for hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor. It includes a detailed questionnaire that you provide to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors for them to fill out. You can compare their answers with other prospective kitchen remodeling contractors and the Homeowners Advice section in the back of the bid sheet. With my “Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet” not only will you be able to find the right kitchen remodeling contractor for your kitchen remodel, you’ll be sure to save money in the process. By comparing bids based on the same questionnaire form, you’ll be able to do an apples-to-apples comparison between contractors. As a result, you’ll be less likely to be bamboozled by a mish-mash of confusing kitchen remodeling contractor quotes.

Finding a Bathroom Remodeler

2011-10-04T15:26:00.005-05:00

A Guide to Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeler for Your Bathroom Remodel

By Mark J. Donovan

Hiring a quality bathroom remodeler to tackle your bathroom renovation project can be hard to do. Finding a bathroom remodeler who understands general contracting and who also has a pulse on the latest bathroom remodeling design trends is very difficult. Hire the wrong bathroom remodeler and you may end up with a renovated bathroom that is functional but lacks any style or pizzazz. On the flip side, you could hire a bathroom remodeler who has great bathroom remodeling ideas but lacks the skill sets to bring it to fruition.

My “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” from HomeAdditionPlus.com can help find the perfect bathroom remodeler for your bathroom renovation project. It includes a detailed questionnaire that you provide to prospective bathroom remodeling contractors to fill out. You can then compare their responses with the Homeowner Advice section in the “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” to identify the right bathroom remodeler for your bathroom renovation project.

The “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” is inexpensive and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in your bathroom renovation project. In addition it will save you time and hassles in realizing your bathroom remodel, so check it out today at HomeAdditionPlus.com!

Bathroom Remodeling Guide

2011-10-04T10:32:00.006-05:00

HomeAdditionPlus.com’s “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” is the Perfect Tool for Making Sure your Bathroom Remodel is a Perfect Success

By Mark J. Donovan

Bathroom remodels are a hot ticket in the home remodeling industry today. With more homeowners convinced that they will be staying in their homes a lot longer than they had originally planned many are opting to improve the live-in value of their homes. Many homeowners view a bathroom remodel as the perfect place to start in improving their home’s living space. It’s a room that gets a lot of use, its relatively small in space, and there are a variety of features that can be included in it to accommodate any budget. However, prior to jumping into a bathroom renovation project it is wise to first do your homework and make a decision on whose going to do the work. If you plan to hire a bathroom remodeling contractor than you’ll want to purchase my “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” from HomeAdditionPlus.com. It is a bathroom remodeling guide that helps you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for your specific bathroom renovation goals.

The “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet” includes an in-depth questionnaire that you provide to prospective bathroom remodeling contractors for them to fill out. Upon return of the completed questionnaires you can compare them to the Homeowners Advice section in the bid sheet. After comparing the various questionnaire responses to my bathroom remodeling advice section of the bid sheet, you’ll quickly be able to determine who is the right contractor for your bathroom remodel project.

So before hiring any old contractor off the street, check out my “Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet”. The last thing you want to do is hire the wrong contractor and end up wasting thousands of dollars on a bathroom remodel that doesn’t achieve the features and look that you are ultimately seeking in your renovated bathroom.

Wood Flooring Installation Guide

2011-10-04T07:53:00.003-05:00

Make Sure to Hire the Right Wood Flooring Installation Contractor

By Mark J. Donovan

If you’re contemplating having a wood floor installed it’s important that you install the right wood floor product for your application and that it is installed by a true professional wood flooring installation contractor. If the wood floor is not installed properly, in short order you could find your new wood floor with unsightly gaps or even worse buckling. Finding a wood flooring installation contractor that does exceptional work, however, can be a challenge.

My wood flooring installation guide can help you in this search. My “Wood Flooring Installation Bid Sheet” from HomeAdditionPlus.com is specifically designed to help you identify the right wood flooring installation contractor for your project. It includes an in-depth questionnaire that you provide to prospective flooring contractors for them to fill out. Upon return of the completed questionnaires you can compare them to the Homeowners Advice section in the bid sheet. After comparing the various questionnaire responses to my wood flooring installation advice section of the bid sheet, you will quickly be able to determine who is the right flooring contractor for your wood floor installation project.

So before you “go-with-the-flow” and settle with a home improvement center’s recommended flooring installer, check out my “Wood Flooring Installation Bid Sheet”. Remember, a home improvement center is focused on very low cost and as a result they squeeze every possible dime out of the contractors they recommend. I’ve heard many contractor horror stories from those who have worked for one of the large home improvement box stores. As a result, the home improvement stores often hire the least skilled contractors or those willing to take short cuts to get their business. Regardless of how good the flooring product is itself, an improper installation can ruin your plans for a beautiful wood floor.

Best Shower Pan Installation Guide

2011-10-03T12:22:00.002-05:00

Look no Further than HomeAdditionPlus.com when Selecting an Ebook on How to Install a Shower Pan

By Mark J. Donovan (CEO and Founder of HomeAdditionPlus.com)

My “Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation” Ebook continues to be the best guide on the market for installing mortar shower pans. When it comes to installing shower pans for custom ceramic tile showers there is simply not a better guide on the market. The “Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation” Ebook provides step-by-step instructions on how to install a shower pan, and each section includes helpful instructional pictures. It’s also comprehensive. My ebook covers everything from framing the shower stall area to making the finishing touches on the mortared shower curb. And it’s not just me saying so!

Listed below are just a few of the comments from homeowners who have purchased my shower pan installation guide over the years.

“Hi, I purchased your ebook and I must say, I'm very satisfied with it. Thanks much!” Marcy P. July/2011

"Hi Mark, I am getting ready to do a custom shower so I purchased your Ebook on the subject. I find it very thorough. Thank You!" Bob A. April/09

“Mark, The shower pan and membrane liner Ebook is exactly what I've been looking for.” Richard C. June/09

So before you start installing your own shower pan order my “Shower Pan Liner Installation” Ebook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. It’s inexpensive and will save you a fortune. Keep in mind that just one small leak in a shower pan could cost you thousands of dollars in damages and repairs. Don’t let it happen to you!

Drywall Water Stains

2011-10-03T08:59:00.001-05:00

A Leaky Roof is often the Culprit for Drywall Water Stains on Ceilings

By Mark J. Donovan

Drywall water stains on ceilings and upper walls are typically caused from roof leaks. Check your attic to look for signs of water infiltration from the roof. Look for dark stains on the roof sheathing or roof rafters. If you can’t find any telltale signs of water infiltration, inspect your attic on a rainy day to see where the water is coming in. If you find the offending area, wait until a dry and clear day and inspect the roof for damaged shingles or popped nails. Often the leak occurs higher up than where the water is entering the attic. Also check around chimney flashing and roof flashing. If the flashing becomes lose, water can get behind it and work its way into your home. If you live in a climate where there is heavy snow, roof snow melt can occasionally find a way underneath the flashing that is connecting a roof to an intersecting wall. Water can then work its way down the drywalled walls and form stains and large water balloon shaped bulges.

Air conditioning systems located in attics can also cause drywall water stains on ceilings and walls. If an air conditioner’s condensation drip line becomes clogged, or there is condensation forming on any part of the duct work, the water droplets can drip onto the drywall ceiling and form drywall stains on the ceilings.

Home Addition Bid Sheet Testimonials

2011-10-02T12:33:00.006-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan (CEO and Founder of HomeAdditionPlus)

Each homeowner that purchases a Home Addition bid sheet from HomeAdditionPlus.com save's hundreds and thousands of dollars on their particular home improvement project, be it new home construction, a home addition, a kitchen remodel, a bathroom remodel, etc. And that's not just HomeAdditionPlus.com saying it. It's customers are also saying the same, and they've been saying it for years. Below is just a snap shot of the customer feedback on HomeAddition Plus.com's bid sheets.

Asphalt Shingle Bid Sheet Testimonial

Mark, Thanks for the "Asphalt Shingle Bid Sheet". "Great Info for Home owners. Cost Of Your Guide, $15, MY SAVINGS, ABOUT $400. Plus got UP-GRATED SHINGLES AND WORRY FREE ROOFING JOB. THANK YOU" - Gary Croft 3/4/11

New Home Construction Bid Sheet Testimonial

" Hi Mark, I purchased the New Home Construction Bid sheet download today. We are very satisfied with it and will find the information contained in the document very helpful." Thank You!" Justine S.

Room Addition Bid Sheet Testimonial

"Mark, Thanks for the sample bid sheet. We ended up ordering the Room Addition Bid Sheet last night and am impressed with how easily it breaks down many elements of the bid and build process. This will save us a bundle of time and make for a professional presentation to potential builders." Jim 3/21/07

Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet Testimonial

"Mark, Thank you so much, the bid sheet was really helpful!" Eby K. 5/10/09

"Mark, Thank you very much. We found it to be a very useful tool!" C. Varon-Green, Ed. D. 7/19/10

Re-Shingle Your Roof before the Snow begins to Fly

2011-09-30T13:17:00.005-05:00

Fall is a great time of the year to re-shingle your roof. - My "Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet" is just the ticket for finding the right roofing contractor and from getting soaked! It includes a questionnaire that you provide to roofing contractors to fill out. You then compare their responses with the homeowner tips provided in the other sections of the "Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet" to determine who's the best roofing contractor for your project.

The "Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet" also includes expected costs estimates for the various aspects of the project. Order today and save yourself time, money and most importantly hassles!

How to Solve a Wet Basement Problem

2011-09-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

If you have a frequently wet basement it’s important to solve the problem before you have a bigger problem, mold. Mold growth in the basement can migrate to the upper levels of the home and can be hazardous to its occupants. Even if the wet basement occurs only occasionally, e.g. after a heavy rain storm, mold growth can still be a problem. Also, if you have intentions of ever finishing the basement, it’s a wise idea to resolve the wet basement problem prior to kicking off a basement remodeling project.

The best solution for solving a wet basement problem is to dig around the exterior of the home’s foundation and install a perimeter drain. In addition, the exterior foundation walls should be sealed. While at it, it’s also a good idea to install rigid foam insulation against the exterior foundation walls.

In addition to installing the perimeter drain also consider installing a sump pump in the basement to remove any water that still may percolate in between the basement slab and the foundation walls. Also, consider installing a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture that can wick through the basement concrete floor. Finally, make sure that the soil grade slopes away from the foundation walls and that all gutter downspouts direct water away from the home.

HomeAdditionPlus.com's September 25, 2011 Newsletter

2011-09-25T06:47:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest home improvement news in this month's issue of the HomeAdditionPlus.com Newsletter. Its chocked full of home improvement tips and home remodeling advice, as well as a few extras.

Also, make sure to check out HouseSight for the latest in homeowner and home remodeling contractor project postings.

Painting Octagon Window

2011-09-11T18:55:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Over the past few weeks my wife, daughter and I have been slowly renovating my daughter’s room. We’ve added a fresh coat of paint to the walls and most importantly have been painstakingly painting all of the wood stained trim and doors in the room. This weekend’s project was painting the octagon window in the room. The octagon window was stained years ago, but it also suffered from some water stains.

After removing the octagon window from the window frame we sealed the window with Bin sealer before painting it with two coats of white paint.

Reinstalling the octagon window into the window frame was a bit of a challenge. At one point I found myself crawling out the octagon window frame and onto the adjacent roof to pick up a piece of plastic trim that had fallen off the window. Suffice it to say my wife and daughter got a good kick out of seeing me worm through such a tight opening. But, by the end of the afternoon we had reinstalled the window and it was transformed into a thing of beauty.

HouseSight Helps Home Remodeling Contractors Find Customer Leads

2011-08-31T12:26:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

HomeAdditionPlus.com’s HouseSight continues to attract more home remodeling contractor members. HouseSight is ideal for contractors looking to find customer leads, but without having to pay for them. HouseSight is a free online tool that enables contractors and homeowners to create unique home remodeling project pages and to share profile information about themselves and businesses. HomeAdditionPlus.com and HouseSight visitors viewing project pages can contact the members either directly via HouseSight’s messaging tool or by clicking on the home remodeling contractor’s website displayed on the project page(s). As a result, HouseSight connects highly motivated customers with hungry home remodeling contractors.

HouseSight also provides the ability for members to upload project files, such as spreadsheets, drawings, bill of materials, and customer lead lists, and then access them later from any computer connected to the internet. As a result, contractors can access and manage their home remodeling project and project files from the field.

HouseSight registration is fast and the service is free. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or home remodeling contractor its worth spending a few minutes to become a HouseSight member. Where else can you advertise your contractor business for free and get exposure to hundreds of thousands of people a month.

United States Downgrade Could Be another Nail in the Housing Market Coffin

2011-08-08T19:39:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Friday’s S&P downgrade of the United States debt credit rating from AAA to AA+, the first time in the history of our country, will have major financial repercussions for years to come, the housing market included. Interest rates, including mortgage rates, will rise and when they do more people will be out of reach from buying a home. In addition, potential home buyer’s stock portfolios and 401Ks have already been dramatically hit since the announcement on Friday. As a result, they’ll now have less money to plunk down as a deposit on a new home. And even if they had staged their money in cash with the plan on using it as a deposit they will be rightfully skittish about pulling the trigger and signing a purchase and sales agreement on a new home at this point in time.

Why the downgrade? Spending. Spending. Spending. Our country is over 14 trillion in debt due to uncontrollable spending by the clowns in Washington. When I hear the democratic party blame the Tea Party, or say we need to tax the rich more for this debacle it only solidifies my belief that they are the first that need to go. Make no mistake, the Republicans have done their fair share of spending during the Bush administration but the current executive administration and its liberal democratic allies in the Senate are running our country into the ground just as fast as they can possibly do so. And yes, I am suggesting they are doing it on purpose. They want to bring the American public down to its knees so that we beg at the federal government trough for help and assistance, and so that we can be permanent servants to them. What is even more disheartening is the percentage of the American public that has apparently bought into this lifestyle change. As long as the beer keeps flowing and there’s a game on every night it seems the average Joe is content. Just what the current executive branch and Senate leadership want.

In regards to taxation, currently only 49 percent of the U.S. population pays federal taxes. This means the other 51 percent are contributing nothing to use the country’s roads and airports, and other services. They pay nothing for our military to protect their interests and safety. I could go on, but you get the message. Instead, the Democrats say “Tax the Rich” some more. Even if we taxed them 100% it still wouldn’t come close to keeping up with the rate of spending. It’s a red herring that sounds good on a sound bite, but in reality it’s total baloney.

One interesting note, our country was founded on the concern of “Taxation without Representation”. It seems we’ve gone full circle. It appears the majority gets Representation without any Taxation.

The bottom line, if we are to take back our country, we need to throw these bums out come next November and complete the job that was started in 2010.

Building a Shower Pan Correctly is Essential for Preventing a Nightmare

2011-07-28T15:19:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

When installing a custom ceramic tiled shower it is critical to install a shower pan membrane liner correctly. Otherwise you’ll end up wasting your money on the tile and cause major water damage to your home, particularly if the custom tiled shower is on an upper level floor. I’ve personally installed shower pan membrane liners on concrete and wood subfloors and have never had a leak. I’ve also filmed the installation of a shower pan membrane liner and you can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXTAkwMqtEc. I’ve also wrote an ebook on the subject, “Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation Ebook” that explains every step on how to correctly build a shower pan and it is loaded with helpful pictures. So before you waste money and cause damage to your home, check out these sources for building your own shower pan.

Home Construction in the Heat of the Summer

2011-07-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Driving around doing some errands today at lunch, and seeing the outside temperature hovering over 100 degrees, I couldn’t help but feel bad for the poor construction workers that I passed by toiling away in the heat. It reminded me of the importance of preparing for the summer elements when working on a home construction or remodeling project. Normally when it comes to jobsite weather concerns it’s more about cold temperatures and/or rain and snow. But intense heat can be even more of a problem, particularly for the safety of the workers.

If you have plans to tackle a home construction or remodeling project during the heat of the summer, always make sure you show up to the jobsite prepared. First and foremost bring plenty of water and fluids (not alcohol). Second, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Third, wear proper and protective clothing that is light weight and light in color. Also make sure to wear a hat to protect your head.

Throughout the day make sure to take plenty of breaks for consuming water and if you feel dizzy or nauseous call it a day. No home remodeling or construction project is worth having heat stroke and dying.

LG Portable Air Conditioner Installation was a Cool Breeze

2011-07-14T12:25:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With temperatures in the upper 90s earlier this week we finally broke down and purchased a portable air conditioner. Unlike our other window air conditioners this one stands up on the floor and resembles R2D2. The specific model is an LG LP0910WNR 9000BTU Portable Air Conditioner. The unit outputs 9000 BTUs and can cool 300 square feet of living space. It has multiple fan speeds and has a programmable 24 hour on-off timer. My wife actually purchased it and hooked it up in about 30 minutes. The exhaust vent pipe assembly mounted easily in a window. Standard window air conditioners on the other hand can take an hour or more to install and typically need installation brackets. In addition, since this air conditioner is portable we can move it easily to other places within our home with little effort.

We’ve used our new portable air conditioner heavily over the past several days and it has worked like a charm keeping our kitchen cool and comfortable. So if you’re in need for a cool summer breeze within your home you may want to take a look at this air conditioner.

Outdoor Fire Pits

2011-07-11T12:19:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Outdoor fire pits are great for enjoying the outdoors. During my recent vacation we gathered around our lake home’s outdoor fire pit just about every evening. Our particular fire pit sits at the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Most summer Friday and Saturday evenings my family and friends gather round it to watch the evening boaters and to look up at the night sky. Often we have a telescope handy to check out the Moon, Saturn, Venus and Mars.

An outdoor fire pit is easy to build. Years ago we constructed ours by simply digging a slightly recessed hole into the ground and encircling it with concrete pavers. It was about 3 feet in diameter. Recently we updated our outdoor fire pit construction by replacing the concrete pavers with elongated granite blocks that were placed vertically into the ground. Mortar was added in between the granite blocks to create a solid ring. Sandy soil was placed in the center of the outdoor fire pit to allow for good drainage.

Every year before using our outdoor fire pit we visit our local fire department office and pull a season permit for a campfire. It costs nothing and provides a little protection in the event of an accident. After 12 years of frequent summer use we’ve yet to ever have a safety issue with our outdoor fire permit. A few simple safety precautions, e.g. always dousing the fire completely out at the end of the evening, can go a long way in preventing accidents.

Painting Exterior Wood Trim

2011-07-03T06:26:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Painting exterior wood trim can be painstakingly slow. Cutting with a paint brush is an unhurried and laborious task with any type of paint job. However, if you are installing new exterior wood trim you can make your life a whole lot easier. After you purchase the exterior wood trim lumber, and before you begin to work with it, pre-paint it. By pre-painting exterior wood trim you’ll save a tremendous amount of time, achieve a more professional paint job, and better protect the wood. Why will you protect the wood better? Because, when you pre-paint the exterior wood trim you can paint all sides of it, thus completely sealing and protecting the piece of lumber from moisture absorption. Also, keep a paint brush and small pail of paint near the miter saw so that you can touch up the ends of the cut exterior wood trim pieces with paint, again to completely seal the wood. Moreover, whenever possible buy pre-primed exterior trim lumber. With any type of paint job a primer should be first applied .

If you’re painting exterior wood trim that is already attached to the home, then you have no choice but to use a paint brush and do the traditional cutting method. When painting exterior trim I find it best to use a brand new 2-1/2 inch wide tapered paint brush. This way I am sure to have a nice sharp and clean paint brush edge. Then with my small paint pail in hand I start at the top of the exterior wood trim and work my way across and down, finally completing the bottom apron piece. I follow this method for around doors and windows, as well as along the exterior wood trim that may exist on the side edges of the home. By following this process I can be sure to clean up any accidental paint drips that may have occurred on the main house siding as I work my way down.

With any type of exterior painting project always make sure the wood is completely dry and that there is no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. The last thing you want is to have running wet paint dripping down the side of your house siding.

San Francisco Trip - Homes and Napa Valley Vineyard Tours

2011-06-26T12:28:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Last week I was in the San Francisco area visiting various tourist sites and checking out the home and housing markets. I also had a chance to meet up with an old friend and get his perspective on the housing market. As the rest of the country, the San Francisco housing market is still very soft.

I also had a chance to visit a few vineyards in the Napa Valley area including Robert Mondavi, Beringer Vineyards, and Sutter Home Winery. I took the tours at Robert Mondavi and Beringer Vineyards and got inspired on trying to make my own wine. I’ve already made my first batch of “Must” and am in the process of fermenting it. In a week I’ll rack it for the first time and transition it to a carboy for further fermentation and aging. I will rack it again three weeks later and then most likely bottle it in a couple of months.

While touring San Francisco I got to see a number of unique homes in the area and took a slew of pictures. Most interesting to me was some of the ornate fireplaces and interior trim work I observed.

I also had a chance to tour Muir Woods and get an idea and better appreciation of Redwood trees. They were absolutely giant and gorgeous. Some of the trees were well over 1,000 years old.

I also visited the Silicon Valley area and checked out some of my old haunts when I worked for a company located in the area. Not much has changed. Silicon valley is still filled with young high tech company’s looking to get rich quick, and add some value to the world – in that order I must add. Traffic is still a snarl during much of the day and early evenings.

Silicon Valley traffic aside, the trip was great. I got to see a lot of the area this time without having to visit customers and deal with pushy corporate management. I can’t wait to visit again.

Time to Install the Portable Air Conditioners

2011-06-13T13:53:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With summer getting into full swing it’s time to pull out those portable air conditioners, clean them up a little, and install them. Portable air conditioners are perfect for cooling rooms and even entire homes, albeit with multiple units installed in the case of cooling an entire house. However, it’s important to install portable air conditioners in or near windows so that that the condensed hot air and moisture that is pulled from the home can be vented outdoors.

When preparing to install your portable air conditioner check the filters and clean or replace them if necessary. Often all you need to do to clean the air filter is to soak it in some warm soapy dish detergent water and gently scrub it. Let it fully dry, however, before installing it back into the portable air conditioner. Also make sure the air conditioner chassis vents are free of dust and lint. A clogged air filter not only causes the air conditioner to work harder, it also prevents the air conditioner from cooling off the room or home quickly. Also, if your portable air conditioner has a drain hose make sure it is free of debris that could cause it to clog.

If the portable air conditioner doesn’t seem to produce and/or blow out cold air after doing these few simple maintenance tips it may be wise to simply replace it, particularly if the fan or compressor is no longer working. The cost of portable air conditioner repairs are often as much as buying a new one.

Purpose of Ice and Water Shield

2011-05-18T12:55:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I often get asked what exactly is Ice and Water Shield. When I first started receiving this question I was somewhat shocked that people were unaware of this roofing product. Ice and water shield has been a godsend in the housing industry for years now. It is used for protecting homes and roofs from water and ice damage and every responsible builder and roofer uses it today.

So what is ice and water shield? Simply put, it is a flexible and sticky membrane that is
placed on the roof sheathing prior to installing the shingles. This membrane seals up
leak-tight around roofing nails that puncture it. It is used mainly along the roof
edges and in the valleys, and along walls or chimneys to protect against ice dams and water seeping underneath flashing.

Ice and water shield is commonly sold in 3 foot width rolls. Typically one or two courses of it is installed along the roof eaves to achieve 3 to 6 feet of coverage. In the roof valleys it is usually positioned so that there is about 18 inches of coverage on either side of the valley. Where a roof abuts a wall the ice and water shield is typically installed up the wall 6 to 18 inches. House siding is then installed over it.

So if you are having your roof reshingled make sure that the roofing contractor includes the installation of ice and water shield in the quote.

Home Remodeling Projects with a High Rate of Return

2011-04-28T15:20:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are two of the best home remodeling projects you can do for maximizing the rate of return on your investment. Prospective home buyers value updated kitchens and bathrooms more than any other home remodeling project. Landscaping also offers a high rate of return, as it provides the curb appeal for luring the prospective home buyer into the home. Once in the home, the newly remodeled kitchen and bathroom often seal the deal.

All other home remodeling projects offer less of a return on investment, and/or a longer time to recoup the investment, so consider your time horizon on how long you plan to live in the home after completing the project. If for example the housing market is in a recession or in a depression, as is the case today, you may want to think long and hard before investing more good money after bad.

With any home remodeling project, develop a good set of plans and a timeline so that you can better understand and control all of your costs and schedules.

New Home Sales Up While Prices Continue to Sag

2011-04-25T12:14:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Well the good news is that new home sales were up in March. New home sales were up 11.1% in March compared to February. Also, the supply of new homes was at a 43-1/2 year low. Both facts suggest a glimmer of hope in the housing market. But not so fast! The bad news is that the average sale price on a new home fell 4.9% from a year ago to $213.8K.

How can this be? With limited supply home prices should be going up. The problem is that this data is solely for the new home construction market and does not take into account all of the homes on the market. The housing economy’s natural equilibrium point is about 2 to 2.5 million homes for sale at any one time in the U.S. Unfortunately there are 3.55 million existing homes on the market today. In addition, when foreclosures or near foreclosures are included in the mix there are approximately 8-9 million homes on the market. Consequently new home construction has to compete with this entire housing market supply, and traditionally older homes are priced less than new construction. Thus the reason for declining prices on new home construction.

Data suggests that foreclosures should begin to dry up in the next 6 to 12 months. When and if this occurs, the housing market should begin to recover. However, the recovery will most likely be a slow process over a number of years.

So in the mean time, if you own a home continue to make the best of it. Make repairs as required, invest in it as your family and income grows, and enjoy what many people have always wanted and have been unable to have, a home they can call their own.

Time to Start Planting your Garden

2011-04-13T12:21:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With the weather getting warmer and the birds returning it’s time to start planting your garden. Before planting, however, you should prepare the soil to maximize your garden harvest. It’s wise to do a soil test first. This way you can determine the type of fertilizer and nutrients your garden needs. Once you’ve determined your garden soil’s needs, fertilize the soil and add compost and Lime as necessary and turn the soil over with a shovel, spade and/or rake. Then allow a couple of weeks for the fertilizer, Lime and compost to break down in the soil before actually planting.

Once the soil has been prepared for planting you can begin planting vegetables that thrive in cooler weather such as peas, beets and onion sets. As the days and nights get progressively warmer you can plant beans, squash and lettuce. Also, after planting these types of cold weather resistant vegetables it’s a good time to put up any protective fencing to keep out the local wood chucks and other animals that like frequenting a healthy garden.

With the threat of frost largely past, you can then begin to plant tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower and broccoli. If after planting cold sensitive plants there is a chance for an evening frost cover the plants overnight with cheese cloth to protect them from freezing. Also, make sure to stake the tomato plants right after you plant them, or at least pound into the ground the stakes for holding the plants up when they begin growing in earnest.

After planting your garden make sure to water it frequently, however limit watering to the morning and noon time hours. Watering the garden in the evening could cause mold and fungus growth on the plants. You may also want to spread some mulch or grass clippings around the plants to mitigate weed growth and to help retain moisture in the soil.

Tiling Kitchen Backsplash

2011-04-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I spent much of this weekend tiling the kitchen backsplash in our home. It looks fantastic even though it’s not completely finished. I still need to grout it. Though tiling a kitchen backsplash is fairly easy to do, it is quite time consuming and it is awkward to do, particularly when you’re a tall person like me. Fortunately though, my wife helped out positioning the tiles after I measured and cut them. A wet tile saw is key for this type of tiling project. It’s important to get clean straight cuts due to the fact that a tiled kitchen backsplash is so visible.

Prep work also took quite a bit of time. After removing all of the items on the countertop, I had to install electrical outlet box extenders so that the outlets and switches would be flush with the finished tile surface. In addition, I used 80 grit sandpaper to rough up the painted drywall surface. Sanding the kitchen backsplash walls helps to ensure a good bond between the tile and drywall surface. We used 4”x4” Travertine tile for most of the kitchen backsplash tiles, however we added a row of small glass tiles to add some unique character to the tile design. I applied the tiles using a tile adhesive instead of thinset mortar due to the fact that this area of the kitchen backsplash doesn’t get wet.

I went with 1/8 inch spacing between tiles based on the fact that the small glass tiles that I used were affixed to a mesh backing with 1/8 inch spacing between the tiles. I also used small 1/8 inch wedges to prop the first row of tiles off of the granite backsplash. In addition, I used 1/8 inch tile spacers to ensure the rest of the tiles maintained proper spacing.

All that’s left to do now with my kitchen backsplash tiling project is to grout it. I plan on using a sanded grout and expect to complete the project next week. Stay tuned for more pictures!

Spring Deck Cleaning

2011-03-30T12:42:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan I was up at my summer home this weekend and saw that the snow had finally cleared from my mahogany surfaced deck. Fortunately the deck held up very well over the winter, even though we probably got a total of 6 feet of snow. All it needs is a spring deck cleaning to ready it for the warmer weather. I’m very happy with my decision a couple of years ago to go with a semi-transparent stain on the last go-around with the decking. Previously I had used deck sealers and all of them ended up looking pretty shabby after a couple of years. They peeled, formed dark stains and overall just looked crappy. So on the last go-around, I sanded the entire deck surface and used a semi-transparent stain on it. It took a couple of weekends to do the project, but the results were stunning and the deck has held up nicely. There’s no peeling and the color has remained consistent. All I plan to do in the next couple of weekends is do a spring deck cleaning on it with a mild detergent, water and a long handled brush.

I wish that was all I had to do for the deck at my main home. It looks like I am going to be forced to replace the decking and railing material. The decking is Mahogany there as well, however I used a finishing nail gun and galvanized finished nails to hold the decking boards down until I installed the stainless steel screws. The galvanized nails have corroded and left stains on the wood that I cannot remove. For the deck railing system I used pressure treated lumber. It has warped and twisted and looks quite shabby. So that’s one of my many projects later this spring or early summer.

If you have plans to build a deck, make sure to check out my Deck Installation Bid Sheet. It will help you find a quality decking contractor and give you valuable tips on how to ensure a quality deck construction.

Disassembling My Above Ground Pool

2011-03-23T11:55:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

This weekend I spent a good part of it disassembling my above ground pool. This winter simply was too much for it. One day in late January, I looked out the window and my pool had collapsed. The top sides had simply caved in. The reason….it’s complicated. Basically I could not keep up with the 3.5 feet of snow that fell that month, and as a result, the pool liner broke. When it did, the water drained out of the bottom, the 18” thick ice disk sank to the bottom, and the pool cover tied to the top sides of the pool with a wrap-around-wire sagged downwards. As the heavily snow laden pool cover sank towards the bottom of the pool, the wrap-around-wire pulled in the sides of the pool. Suffice it to say the pool was a total loss.

As a result, I spent most of Saturday disassembling the pool frame and taking it to the local dump. Unfortunately, due to the large disk of ice still in the bottom of the pool I was unable to remove the steel shell of the pool and the pool liner. I’m hoping in the next couple of weeks to be able to remove these items. Once that’s done, I’ll debate putting in a new pool.

My advice to anyone that owns an above ground pool in a northern climate is to make sure not to use a wrap-around-wire for holding down the pool cover. Instead use clips or milk jugs filled with water and tied every few feet around the perimeter of the pool. This way if the pool liner goes, your pool frame will not be damaged.

Review of Guy Kawasaki's lastest book - "Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions"

2011-03-11T13:53:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I just finished reading an advanced copy of Guy Kawasaki’s latest book “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions”. It was a fantastic read as it was filled with practical advice on how to thrive in both the corporate and non-corporate worlds by influencing and enchanting others. This book is a valuable resource for students, employees, management, entrepreneurs, and non-employed people alike.

“Enchantment” addresses all aspects on how to conduct one’s personal and professional endeavors so that they can capture the hearts and minds of others, and to create win-win situations for all parties. From reviewing simple but important issues on how to dress and greet people, to using the latest in push/pull social media technology, Guy explains how to use many techniques and tools to help sell oneself and to enchant others. As the owner of a small web-based business I found myself taking copious notes while reading “Enchantment” and implementing many of his social media technology suggestions after completing the book.

Via multiple examples throughout the book Guy explains how extremely successful companies achieved their successes by not only producing quality products but by also going a step further and enchanting its customers and supporting its customer communities. “Enchantment” also goes beyond just teaching skills on how to influence others. It explains that at the core of any product, business, or goal there should be a fundamental objective to make the world a better place for all.

I highly recommend reading this book if you have a vision or goal that you want others to buy into, be it obtaining a promotion, starting a business, or simply getting your kids to do what you ask.

HouseSight Attracts Homeowners and Contractors Alike

2011-03-06T20:10:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

HouseSight continues to attract new members everyday who are posting pictures and descriptions, and even embedding videos of their home improvement projects. Why not you? See HouseSight to register today and start showing off your home remodeling projects and skills. Its fast, fun and free.

Not only does HouseSight allow you to post information about your home remodeling projects, it's also a social networking website that allows you to communicate with other fellow members to ask questions about their home improvement projects. In addition, you can vote on the projects you like best to let everyone else know what are the coolest home improvement projects on HouseSight. You can also rank your own home remodeling contractor to let the world know who to hire and who to avoid.

So again, sign up today and start sharing your home improvement experiences.

Google’s “Farmer” Search Engine Update Killing Quality WebSites

2011-03-05T07:22:00.007-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Last week Google updated its search engine algorithm to the detriment of many popular and successful websites including HomeAdditionplus.com. HomeAdditionPlus.com lost 25-30% of its traffic virtually overnight, while other folks like AsktheBuilder.com, and Ezinearticles.com have lost over 50% of their traffic. Hundreds of other quality websites have lost much more. The news was so negative that the Wall Street Journal wrote two articles on this subject earlier this week.

Google’s latest Search Engine Optimization (SEO) update is referred to in the industry as the “Farmer” SEO update. Google has communicated that the main purpose of this update was to clean up the high number of giant content farm mills out on the internet that scrape, copy and put out hundreds and thousands of low value content webpages each day. I commend them for wanting to do this. Unfortunately, however, some of the same websites that use these tactics survived this SEO update, while other quality and long established websites got the shaft. See Google’s webmaster forum to see the hundreds of webmasters that have been filing complaints and pleading for reconsideration over the past few days.

Companies are now laying off employees and online businesses are going bust all due to one company, Google. The true winners in this shuffle of the deck chairs appear to be the big companies such as Sears, Google Shopping division, Amazon, Ikea, HGTV, Britannica, Facebook, MarthStewart, etc. Unfortunately these sites, with the exception of Facebook, are exclusively about selling you products rather than providing you with free information and answers that save you time and money such as HomeAdditionPlus.com. Don't expect Google Shopping, Amazon or Ikea to respond to your email questions unless you have a credit card in hand.

Even more amazing is that some of the websites that are notorious for puttting out low value content survived this Google Cyclone, such as eHow.com. What really galls me is the fact that ehow.co.uk has almost a 1000 useless back-links to HomeAdditionPlus.com (rel=nofollow links) as a referenced source for their watered down content on a sujbect that I wrote about. To that I say, thanks for nothing eHow.com and Google!

I urge Google to wake up and realize what they have done. Its a travesty to both the consumers and hard working people who have spent years trying to provide quality help to people.

I hold out a glimmer of hope that Google will do the right thing and reconsider what it has done. As a matter of fact, I have some evidence that suggests that this may already be happening. I have been using Google Adsense since 2005, and low and behold two days ago when I log into my blogger account I get a Google Pop up saying this blogsite looks pretty popular and that maybe I should consider using Adsense. Its ironic on two levels. First this blogsite and HomeAdditionPlus.com have been using Google Adsense for years, and second this is the first time EVER that they have sent me anything about signing up for Google Adsense.

Maybe even Google is feeling the hit in their wallet for their latest actions. They appear so desperate they can't even take the time to figure out what publishers are using Adsense on their own blogging service before sending out a spam advertisement.

New FaceLift on "Installing Crown Molding" Ebook

2011-03-03T16:15:00.007-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I finally got around to using some new tools to create good looking Ebook covers. The Installing Crown Molding Ebook has been a popular product over the years at HomeAdditionPlus.com, but maybe with this new cover look even more potential customers will agree!

Actually the new tool was an old tool that I've been using for years, Photoshop. I just found some useful online tips to create professional looking Ebook covers using Photoshop, and a couple of ebook cover templates that I downloaded for free. In less than 3o minutes I was able to create this ebook cover, and most of that time was playing around with the creative artwork.

For more information on how to install your own crown molding see: "Install Crown Molding Ebook"

HouseSight Attracts Home Building and Remodeling Contractors

2011-02-17T19:06:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Since the launch of HouseSight last month, many home building and remodeling contracors have signed up and begun showing off some of their projects. I was initially surprised by their participation, but after thinking about it a bit it became obvious. They're using HouseSight as yet another vehicle for selling their services. And why not, its free and in this down housing market builders and contractors need to employ every method possible to attract buyers. The fact that it also serves my main object for HouseSight, which is to provide a web destination for homeowners to get and share home improvement ideas, makes it a win-win situation all around.

If you haven't checked out HouseSight yet, I recommend you do. HouseSight registration is quick and easy, and best of all membership is free.

So check it out and see what the home builders are showing off, and even better, post some of your own home remodeling and home improvement projects.

Home Building Up and Building Permits Down In January

2011-02-16T09:17:00.006-05:00

By Mark Donovan

The Good News - The commerce department reported that home building construction starts were up a healthy 14.6% in January, compared to December.

The Bad News - The commerce department reported that home building construction permits were down 10.4% in the same period.

Though the news was a mixed bag, it's possible that the sagging number of new home construction permits pulled last month was in part due to the heavy snow and cold weather that blanketed much of the country in January. It's also possible that with the significant increase in actual construction starts that builders were too busy focusing on actual building than planning.

One month of data doesn't set a trend, so we will have to wait until spring to see if there is indeed a positive direction in the beleaguered housing construction industry.

Why Become a HouseSight Member

2011-02-08T12:58:00.006-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

HomeAdditionPlus.com’s recently announced HouseSight service is seeing rapid adoption as it has attracted scores of homeowners and home building contractors alike. Many new HouseSight members are posting their own home remodeling or construction projects and others are simply joining so that they can interact with other members. With HouseSight’s internal member messaging, commenting, and project and contractor ranking utilities, it creates the perfect environment for homeowners and contractors to share home improvement knowledge, ideas and opinions.

So what is HouseSight?

HouseSight is a free home improvement themed social networking web service that attracts homeowners, building contractors and others interested in anything home improvement related. HouseSight members can post and manage their home improvement projects, interact with other members, and share home remodeling experiences, photos, and knowledge. Members can even embed videos and include a link to their websites.

Why are Building Contractors becoming HouseSight members?

Many building and home remodeling contractors have become HouseSight members for one main reason, business opportunity. HomeAdditionPlus.com and HouseSight, combined, receive nearly 500,000 visitors per month from all over the United States and world. That’s a lot of potential customers, and in today’s housing construction environment, any new way to market your business can’t hurt. Particularly when it’s free! Yes, there are no costs for becoming a HouseSight member.

Also, many of the new HouseSight project pages created by building contractors are seeing phenomenal Google and Yahoo search engine results, due to HomeAdditionPlus.com’s huge popularity in the home improvement web world. Do a Google search on any HouseSight project and more than likely it will be on page one of a Google search results page. For example, when an interested home buyer is looking for a contractor to build a custom home in Sherman Oaks, guess who is going to come to the top of a Google Search result, the HouseSight member who created the HouseSight Project Page with that title (Custom Home in Sherman Oaks).

So Why are Homeowners Signing Up for HouseSight?

Homeowners are registering for HouseSight so they can communicate directly with other members who have either completed, or are in the process of doing, home improvement projects that they are interested in. In addition, HouseSight provides them a venue for getting home improvement ideas due to the plethora of projects and their associated pictures, videos and project descriptions.

So whether you are a homeowner, builder, or a contractor in the home construction industry, register today and start getting great home improvement ideas and driving customers to your business. HouseSight registration is fast and simple, and again, it’s Free!!

Shoveling Snow off Roof and Around Foundation

2011-02-03T06:34:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With all the snow we’ve received in New Hampshire over the past month, I finally had no choice but to go up on the roof yesterday and remove the snow from much of it. There was 2 feet of heavy compressed snow on the roof, as well as 10 inch ice dams that needed to go, before either the roof collapsed or we had water coming into the house.

The only problem after shoveling the snow off of the roof was the fact that I had massive piles of snow to then shovel out from around the home’s foundation. My concern was that the snow that was all piled around my home’s foundation would someday begin to melt and end up seeping into my basement. I’ve never had a water problem in the basement however I’ve never seen so much snow at one time.

After shoveling snow off the roof I also placed ice melt socks every 5 to 6 feet along the roof edge where the ice dams were. Hopefully they will begin to do their work and melt drain channels into the ice dams. Otherwise I may end up seeing water dripping down the inside of my home’s exterior walls.

Shoveling Snow by the Foot

2011-01-30T09:37:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

The snow in New Hampshire can get quite deep in January and February. This January has been particularly brutal. Snow storms have come every few days dropping anywhere from 6 to 18 inches at a time. There is at least two feet of snow on the ground, deck and roofs and the temperatures have remained pretty much below freezing all of January. Consequently shoveling snow from decks and roofs is wise to provide egress and prevent roof collapses, respectively. In addition, shoveling snow off roofs can prevent ice dams. Shoveling snow from decks can also help prevent them from collapsing or pulling away from the home.

Due to so many snow storms this winter the snow is stacked in a number of layers with the top layer being light and fluffy and the underlying layers being dense and heavy. I spent much of yesterday morning removing nearly two feet of snow from our lake home’s deck. While shoveling the snow from the deck you can really see the layers and get a better understanding on how snow avalanches occur. The top light layers of snow can simply shear off the denser deeper packed snow.

After about 2 hours of heavy work I was able to shovel off the snow from our deck. No doubt I got a full upper body work out. It’s best when shoveling snow of this depth to remove it in layers and to take your time. This way your don’t break you back and cause a heart attack.

Hopefully Mother Nature will show a little kindness in February and provide us with some warmer and drier days.

Release of HouseSight on HomeAdditionPlus.com

2011-01-19T13:56:00.003-05:00

HouseSight is the Internet Destination for Sharing and Managing Home Remodeling Projects

By Mark J. Donovan

Today I launched “HouseSight” on www.HomeAdditionPlus.com. HouseSight is a social networking community for DIY home improvement enthusiasts and contractors to share their home remodeling project experiences and knowledge. It’s also a great place to get ideas for your next home improvement project and ask fellow registered HouseSight members questions about their particular home remodeling project. HouseSight registration is easy, and best of all, it’s free.

For a full description of HouseSight please see the HouseSight Launch Press Release.

The Chillaxing Generation Y Housing Requirements

2011-01-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

What Today’s Younger Generation Requires for Living Space

By Mark J. Donovan

Based on reports from the housing convention held last week in Florida, the chillaxing Y generation says no thanks to mom and dad’s old school home styles and values out in the burbs. Instead, they prefer the large crash pad in the city where they can hang out, party and chillax with their friends.

The Y generation demographics consist of about 80 million American youths who were born in the 1980s and 1990s. Between the great recession and their affinity towards technology, social networking and gaming, their interest in tending a yard and managing a large home just isn’t there, at least not for now.

Consequently, with a population that is even greater in size than the baby boomer generation, they’re a large residential building market opportunity for the savvy builder and investor. The secret though to winning their hearts and business, is understanding their needs and producing something that they can afford. With their limited savings and income, simplicity and convenience are ultimately the key ingredients in their housing requirements.

So what are the living space requirements of today’s adult youth? In a nut shell, large open concept spaces where the technology and food court meld into one. The word “kitchen” just sounds too old school, and a futon in front of the entertainment center is sufficient enough for doubling as a bedroom. Off to one side of the main living area, a simple bathroom consisting of a toilet, sink and shower, period. Soaking tub not required, although a Jacuzzi off the back deck or patio maybe a nice bonus. Also, one large storage area for storing the skate board and bike is a must. That’s about it, and quite frankly all they’ll be able to afford, at least until the U.S. economy markedly improves and they desire to take on more responsibility.

More Snow and Fixing a Cracked Ceiling are on the Agenda for this Weekend

2011-01-07T13:02:00.000-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

More snow is on the way for tonight and tomorrow here in New Hampshire, and I’ve finally decided to fix the cracked ceiling in my family room, for good this time. I expect much of tomorrow to be split between snow blowing and shoveling, and installing trim along the roof peak in my family room.

The snow I’m all prepared for. The snowblower is in tip top shape, I’ve got plenty of gas and the deicing salt is ready to spread. It’s the cracked ceiling that I need a little more prep time, or at least enough time to make a few measurements and get to Home Depot and pick up some pre-primed 1-by lumber.

The crack ceiling runs along the entire length of the peak of my cathedral ceiling. The crack comes and goes with the seasons and with the amount of snow on the family room addition roof. I’m convinced it’s a framing issue that is the source of the recurring crack, and there is not much I can do about it at this point other than to hide the crack with a piece of wood trim. I’m convinced if I simply re-tape and mud it, it will reappear in short order. So my goal is to cut a narrow piece of 1-by lumber to length, and then cut the edges at the roof pitch angle to create a narrow flat surface along the peak of the cathedral ceiling. I’ll then paint it a flat white, as is the rest of the ceiling, and hopefully end my cracked ceiling woes for good. I’ll make sure to post some pictures pre and post the repair next week.

Have you experienced similar ceilings cracks due to the winter cold? If so, how did you go about fixing them?

Build a Small Interior Tropical Garden to Take Away the Winter Blues

2011-01-03T19:35:00.010-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

One way to deal with the cold and dark nights associated with snowy winters is to build a small indoor tropical garden area in your home. In our home we built a small interior garden in one of the corners of our family room. To create our garden oasis we used a few medium sized tropical rain forest plants, such as Dracaenas and Crotons, and a little back lighting.

We staged plants both at the floor level and on a small shelf to create a tiered look and to add depth to our mini interior tropical garden. In addition, we added some back lighting to give a comforting mood in the evening hours. We also added some color to the windows near our small interior garden by attaching a couple of witch balls to them.

The green tropical rain forest plants, such as the Dracaenas and Croton plants we used in our interior tropical garden, not only create a private tropical oasis for us, they also help to humidify and purify the air in our home. So if you’re looking to brighten up your dark winter evenings you may want to consider creating your own personal tropical sanctuary and adding your own unique personal touches.

New Nikon D3100 D-SLR Camera to Provide Higher Quality Home Improvement Pictures

2011-01-03T13:19:00.009-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With some spare cash in my pockets from the holidays, I decided to go out and buy a Nikon D3100 D-SLR camera yesterday for my home improvement website pictures. The D-SLR acronym stands for “Digital Single Lens Reflex” and basically it means that the camera produces much higher quality photos compared to the standard pocket size digital camera. To do this they incorporate high tech sensor technology including CCD and CMOS circuits, and much larger lenses than the standard digital camera. Consequently they are much larger, offer much more functionality, and produce much better pictures than small digital cameras with the same Megapixel specifications.

I’ve been meaning to for some time to start taking some higher quality home improvement pictures and this new camera is just the ticket! It takes incredibly clear pictures and does so extremely quickly. Unlike my old camera, there are no missed shots with this one.

After my family and I read the manual and charged the battery we began experimenting with it last night taking pictures of almost anything we pointed it at, including the night sky. The quality of the pictures is simply amazing. Even with a night sky background the images are crystal clear. It’s not surprising considering the fact that it has 14.2 Megapixels, a far cry from my old pocket digital camera with 3.5 Megapixels.

Besides taking stunning photographs, the Nikon D3100 can also film movies in full 1080p High Definition, so I anticipate using it too in some of my home improvement videos that I post on HomeAdditionPlus.com, and my various video channels.

One of the nice things about D-SLR cameras is that you can mount different types of lenses on to them for wide angle shots or for objects that are far away. For now I only purchased the18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom-NIKKOR VR image stabilization lens, but my intention is to also buy the 55-200mm zoom vibration reduction lens in the next few months.

So expect some much cooler and higher quality home improvement photos in the days ahead, both on the HomeAddition Blog and HomeAdditionPlus.com

See
Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens to learn more about this great camera.

HomeAdditionPlus.com Announces "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook"

2011-01-02T10:53:00.003-05:00

HomeAdditionPlus.com's Unveils its Latest Product, the "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook"

By Mark J. Donovan

I just released my new "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook". It is chocked full of helfpul tips and secrets on how to install baseboard trim like the pros. The Ebook is 18 pages long and loaded with easy-to-read instructions and supporting photographs to enable the do-it-yourself homeowner to install his or her own baseboard trim, and avoid the high costs of hiring a finish carpenter.

The "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook" includes information on how to measure and select baseboard trim, as well as reviews the various types of baseboard trim on the market today. In addition, it provides detailed instructions on making the various miter joints necessary for achieving a professional baseboard trim installation, including how to make coped and scarfed joints. The "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook" also explains how to deal with transitions changes from room to room and from different floor heights.

The "Installing Baseboard Trim Ebook" is currently priced at an introductory offer of $15, so make sure to purchase it today if you have baseboard trim installation plans in the near future.

Digging out from the Blizzard of 2010

2010-12-28T09:21:00.004-05:00

Blanketing Snow and High Winds were the Highlights of the Last Storm of 2010

By Mark J. Donovan

For many of us on the Northeast coast of the United States we spent the next couple of days after Christmas digging out from a powerful winter blizzard. Though the snowfall was significant it was the wind that was really the story. Wind gusts exceeded hurricane force levels in some northeastern communities and knocked power out all over northern New England towns. Here in New Hampshire gusts regularly reached 40 to 50 MPH.

The snow started falling on December 26, and really got going that night and the next day. I snowblowed the driveway and cleared the roofs, decks and pool during the tail end of the snowing phase of the storm. Due to the high winds and drifting I had to go back out and repeat the process again this morning. The winds had eased a little, but they were still gusting at around 20-25 MPH by my guess.

The walkways that my son and I shoveled the day before were packed with blowing snow. Actually there was more snow in the walkways than there was in the main part of the yard. Clearing the walkways and creating the snow piles adjacent to them from the first dig-out caused the drifting snow to accumulate deeper in the walkways than the surrounding area. In addition, it was packed down and had a 2 inch crust layer on top making it difficult to remove. See the accompany pictures.

Bat Droppings in the Attic

2010-12-20T12:41:00.000-05:00

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

By Mark J. Donovan

Question: - I am seeing droppings in my attic and I think they are bat droppings. How do I get rid of the bats from my attic?

Answer: I had a similar problem in my home this past fall. Initially I thought it was mice in the attic so I set up a couple of mice traps in the attic. To my surprise I wound up catching a bat in one of the traps.

I discovered that the bats were coming into my attic via the small crevice between the rake trim boards and the house siding. To solve my bat problem I used pipe foam insulating tubes. It’s the type of foam insulation that is used for wrapping around plumbing supply lines. I pushed the foam insulation tubes up into the crevice between the rake trim boards and the house siding. It completely solved my bat problem.

To check if the droppings in your attic are indeed associated with bats, stand outside your home during dusk and see if you observe bats exiting the roof area of your home. If you see them flying out of the roof/attic area try the foam insulating tubes. They work and are very inexpensive. Just watch yourself on the roof or ladder.

Why Frost in the Attic

2010-12-20T12:40:00.002-05:00

How to Eliminate the Formation of Frost in the Attic

By Mark J. Donovan

Question: - I went up into my attic last January on a very cold day and observed dripping water, and mold and mildew, on the roof sheathing. I made every attempt to resolve the problem by ripping out all of the moisture sodden insulation and installing new insulation. I also made sure the soffit vents were not blocked and had a new ridge vent installed. Unfortunately I am seeing the same problem again this winter. Do you have any ideas why?

Answer: Sounds like you have a serious moisture problem in your attic and a moisture source that you missed. You did the right things, however, by addressing the attic insulating and ventilation. To find the source of your moisture problem, I would first check the bathroom exhaust fans, vent stacks and then inspect the roof for leaks.

First, make sure your bathroom exhaust fans are being vented outside and not into your attic. Often contractors or DIY homeowners who install bathroom exhaust fans simply let them vent to the attic. This is a major mistake.

Second, make sure there is insulation packed in around any vent stacks that may be coming up from the living area below. Use a can of spray foam insulation to seal any of these types of insulation holes in the attic. The holes cut into the framing for vent stacks are notorious for letting warm moist air from the finished living areas below enter into the attic.

Finally, inspect the roof for leaks. I doubt you have a roof leak problem as you would most likely see much bigger signs of water/moisture problems, e.g. water dripping down into the finished living area of the home, or wet spots forming on the ceilings.

If all of these suggestions fail to uncover a problem, then make sure you have properly sized the amount of ridge vent and soffit vent for your attic. You possibly have an insufficient amount.

What to Look For When Buying a Snowblower

2010-12-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

If you are in the market for buying a snowblower first consider the size of your driveway and the average snowfall you get every year. Too often people buy too small of a snowblower and end up regretting it every snow storm for years to come.

I made the same mistake when buying my first gas snowblower. I lived in New Hampshire and had a 100 foot driveway at the time. I bought a 5 horsepower, 24 inch wide, two-stage snowblower. After just a couple of years it was worn out and I was fed up pushing around a snow-cone machine in my driveway. The snow basically oozed out of the snowblower by the end of its life.

So I went out and replaced it with an 11 horsepower, two-stage gas snowblower that is nearly 3 feet wide. Ten years later it is still easily pumping out the snow even when there is 1.5 feet of snow in the driveway. When buying a snowblower of this magnitude expect to shell out between $1,000 and 2,000.

If you live in a milder climate, you can go with a smaller sized gas snowblower, such as a 5 horsepower unit or a single stage one. They work fine for a 6 inch snow storm, and can even handle the occasional foot of snow that may grace your driveway. With these smaller horse powered snowblowers you can still expect to shell out between $500 and a $1,000 for it depending upon the make and model, and the particular features it may offer.

If you live in an area where you only get the occasional snow storm with a depth not exceeding 6 inches, an electric snow blower is acceptable. Just make sure you have access to an outlet and plenty of extension cord. Though they don’t have anywhere near the power of a gas snowblower, electric snowblowers are quieter, pollute less, are easier to store, and typically cost less.

Prevent Ice Dams this Winter

2010-12-14T12:50:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Ice dams form due to warm moist air that is trapped in the attic and the constant warming and cooling of the roof during the cold winter days and month. There are two main components that need to be addressed to prevent ice dams, insulation and ventilation.

It is imperative that there is adequate and properly installed attic insulation to prevent warm moist area in the living areas below from filtering up into the attic space. Warm air in the attic can cause the back side of the roof sheathing to become warm and the snow just above it to melt. As it melts it drips towards the roof eaves. Then, as evening approaches and temperatures cool the water freezes up. This daily repeated process of thawing and cooling causes ice dams to form along the roof eaves. Eventually the ice dams build up to the point that melted snow works its way up under the lower courses of shingles. Once the water gets to the back sides of the shingles it inevitably finds a way into the attic and eventually into the lower living areas of the home.

The other major component that needs to be addressed to prevent ice dams is adequate and proper attic ventilation. Any warm air that does filter up into the attic needs to be quickly expelled to the outside so that it does not have time to warm up the underside roof sheathing.

Attic ventilation should include soffit vents and roof vents, such as ridge vent. The rule of thumb is to have approximately 1 square feet of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic ceiling area with a vapor barrier, or every 150 square feet of attic ceiling area without a vapor barrier. Typically there should be around a 50/50 split between soffit vent and roof vent.

So by making sure you have adequate and proper attic insulation and ventilation you can prevent ice dams this winter.

How to Fix a Door Lock

2010-12-12T07:40:00.003-05:00

A Couple Shots of Graphite Lubricant is often all that’s Needed to Fix a Door Lock

By Mark J. Donovan

If you’re having a difficult time inserting or turning the key in your door lock you may be able to fix it with an inexpensive tube of graphite lubricant. Simply squirt in a couple of shots of the graphite lubricant and then reinsert the key and turn it a couple of times. Often that is all that is necessary to fix a door lock.

If the locking button on the door lock is the problem, where it won’t turn easily or only partially, then you’ll need to do a bit more work to fix the door lock. To fix a door lock with this type of problem, remove the screws that hold the door knob handle to the door. Then remove the door knob handle itself to expose the internal parts of the door lock and handle. Again, a couple shots of graphite lubricant on the movable internal parts of the door lock are all that are typically necessary to resolve the door lock problem. Make sure to apply graphite lubricant to the door lock column and to the inside pieces of the door knob handle.

Then reattach the door knob handle back onto the door and test it to see if you’ve fixed your door lock. With any luck your door lock problems are history.

One final note - do not use WD40 as a substitute to the graphite lubricant. The WD40 will attract dust to the door lock and in short order you’ll have a sticking door lock again.

Deicing Salts and Concrete Driveways and Vegetation

2010-12-10T13:29:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

In preparation for winter weather it’s always wise to buy a few bags of deicing salt and have them handy in the garage. However it is important to understand that deicing salts can wreak havoc on concrete driveways and walkways and can damage adjacent shrubbery and vegetation. In addition, there are number of deicing salts available on the market, each with their own unique pros and cons, and that are designed to work effectively at different temperatures. So which one do you use?

All deicing salts do basically one thing. They lower the melting point or freezing point of water. Their effect is to cause the ice to melt and stay in a liquid water state at lower temperatures.

Sodium Chloride, or rock salt, is the most commonly used deicing salt, and it can effectively melt ice down to about 15o Fahrenheit. Unfortunately it is very corrosive to concrete and metal, and can damage vegetation. It also produces a high amount of Chloride ions which is not healthy for the environment. Consequently rock salt should be used sparingly and on asphalt driveways only.

Potassium chloride is another common deicing salt, however it is effective only down to 20o Fahrenheit and it too easily damages concrete.

Calcium chloride dicing salt is another option. It melts ice even faster than Sodium Chloride and can effectively melt ice down to -20o Fahrenheit. It can be an irritant to skin and it too is corrosive to concrete.

The last fairly common dicing salt is Magnesium Chloride. Similar to Sodium Chloride it works down to around 0o Fahrenheit, however it is less damaging to concrete and vegetation. It also releases fewer Chlorides ions than Sodium Chloride.

So this winter make sure to stop by the local hardware store and pick up the right dicing salt for your climate, and driveway and sidewalk surface conditions. Regardless of what deicing salt you choose, the best rule of thumb is to use it as sparingly as possible. By doing so you can accomplish your main goal of eliminating ice build up on your driveway or sidewalk, while at the same time minimizing environmental harm to your concrete surfaces and localized vegetation.

Snow Blower Maintenance

2010-12-09T13:54:00.001-05:00

Prepare Snow Blower for Winter

By Mark J. Donovan

With winter almost officially upon us it’s time to pull out the snow blower and prepare it for winter weather. Snow blower maintenance should include cleaning the spark plug, changing the oil, and putting fresh gas into it. Also make sure to turn the gas cut off valve to the ON position. In addition, check the snow blower shear pins to make sure they are connected to the auger blade and drive shaft. You may also want to buy a couple of extra shear pins in case you break one during the winter season. It’s a major pain to break a shear pin in the middle of a snowstorm when you can’t as readily make it to the hardware store. Also make sure the muffler does not need to be replaced.

Also, as part of the snow blower maintenance, check to make sure the adjustable skids that are attached to the base of the snow blower frame are set evenly and at the right height so that the horizontal auger blade is not touching the pavement. In addition, make sure the pull chord is not frayed and is in good working order.

Once the general maintenance has been completed, fire up the snow blower to make sure it runs smoothly. If it does not, you may need to adjust the carburetor. If you do not have the skill or energy to adjust the carburetor take it into a shop to have them tune it up for you.

New Polymer-Wood Hybrid House Siding May Have Legs

2010-11-30T13:22:00.001-05:00

A New Composite House Siding Could Be the Wave of the Future in Home Siding?

By Mark J. Donovan

Some argue that a new polymer-wood hybrid house siding product is better than any other type of home siding product on the market, less real wood or brick. The new polymer-wood hybrid house siding product is certainly more attractive and sturdier than vinyl siding. It is also cheaper than real wood siding.

Polymer wood hybrid house siding, on the other hand, is more expensive than fiber cement board, at least initially. A manufacturer of polymer-wood house siding, however, argues that their product does not require the initial priming and painting, as well as the periodic painting and maintenance, that fiber cement board house siding does. Thus over time, the manufacturer argues that polymer-wood hybrid house siding is cheaper. Hybrid polymer-wood house siding is also available in a variety of colors so there are plenty of choices for the homeowner. Alside’s Revolution Composite siding, for example, is available in 9 different colors.

Polymer-wood hybrid house siding is not meant to be installed by the diy homeowner or untrained carpenter. The proper installation of polymer-wood hybrid house siding requires new installation methods and special training.

Hopefully this latest composite house siding product will hold up better than some of its predecessors. Other composite house siding products have been shown to attract mold and mildew, swell, and delaminate over time.

HomeAdditionPlus.com among Top DIY Home Improvement Video Channels

2010-11-22T13:00:00.004-05:00

Three separate and independent articles recently ranked http://www.homeadditionplus.com/, and its associated video channels, as one of the top home improvement video destinations on the internet.

“Clean-cut and coherent, Donovan’s straight talking approach is easy viewing…” reports Amy-Mae Elliott of http://www.mashable.com/.

Similarly, Leslie Baird of http://www.helium.com/ reported HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Youtube channel as one of the best DIY and Home Improvement channels on the internet.

Also, miamercado of http://www.blogher.com/ stated relative to HomeAdditionPlus.com that “These tutorials not only show you which tools you need, but how to properly use them, so you don’t have to find a channel with a "How to Sew Your Fingers Back On" video.”

"It’s fantastic getting this type of positive feedback about http://www.homeadditionplus.com/ and its associated video channels. It takes an incredible amount of time filming, editing, and posting home improvement videos, and to hear positive responses from the diy home improvement community and media is just terrific news”, said Mark Donovan, Founder and CEO of HomeAdditionPlus.com.

For more information on HomeAdditionPlus.com and its associated video channels please see:

http://www.homeadditionplus.com/
www.Youtube.com/HomeAdditionPlus
www.Blinkx.com/channel/HomeAdditionPlus
http://www.5min.com/homeadditionplus.com
http://www.graspr.com/profile/homeadditionplus

References

http://mashable.com/2010/07/11/home-improvement-videos/
http://www.helium.com/items/1901323-the-best-youtube-channels-for-diy-and-home-improvement
http://www.blogher.com/best-youtube-channels-your-diy-home-improvement-needs

Electrical Insulation Gasket Pads for Electrical Outlets and Switches

2010-11-12T11:53:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

One way you can eliminate cold drafts from your home this winter is to install electrical insulation gasket pads underneath your outside wall electrical outlet and switch covers. Outside wall electrical switch and outlet boxes are notorious for letting cold drafts into your home due to the fact that fiberglass batt or rolled insulation is often not installed correctly around them.

Electrical insulating gasket pads, or electrical insulation pads, are inexpensive and easy to install. For safety purposes first turn off power to the electrical outlet or switch at the main circuit panel. Next remove the electrical outlet or switch cover plate. Then, using a circuit tester or digital multimeter, test the electrical switch or outlet to make sure power is indeed shut off to it.

Next remove the appropriate cutout section from the electrical insulation gasket pad and place the pad over the surface of the electrical outlet or switch. Reattach the electrical cover plate, turn power back on to the switch or outlet, and your cold drafts associated with your electrical outlets and switches are history.

Deck Flashing from Everflashing

2010-11-10T09:07:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I recently had a chance to check out some perimeter and ledger deck flashing products from Everflashing. Everflashing offers a variety of deck ledger and perimeter flashing products in hot dipped (G185) galvanized, stainless steel and aluminum. Their deck flashing comes in 1-1/2” and 2-1/8” profiles and is available in 5, 8 and 10 foot lengths. Their aluminum flashing comes in several colors and is approved to be used with wolmanized L3 Lumber.

Based on their unique shape and construction, decking boards are sandwiched in between a tongue and groove slot integrated into the deck flashing product. Not only does this unique design protect the ledger board and home from water infiltration but also helps to hold the deck boards in place.

Everflashing deck flashing products can be purchased at lumber stores as well as on line. For more information on ledger and perimeter deck flashing from Everlasting visit www.everflashing.com.

Repairing Copper Supply Line Pipe

2010-11-09T13:06:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Copper pipes are commonly used in residential plumbing applications. Occasionally a copper supply line can burst. It is particularly common during winter months when water can potentially freeze in the pipes due to the loss of heat in the home. Repairing copper supply line pipes requires some basic tools and skill in soldering / sweating pipes. Tools required include a copper pipe tube cutter or hacksaw, a propane torch, sandpaper, a stiff brush, a half round file, rag, and some steel wool. For materials you will need the necessary copper pipe and fittings, lead free solder, and flux.

To repair a copper supply line you must first turn off the water to the damaged pipe and drain the pipe. Any water left in the pipe will make sweating the joint impossible.

After draining the copper supply line pipe, use a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut out the damaged section.

Next, use the half round file to clean any burrs off of the cut ends of the pipe. Then use the sandpaper, steel wool and rag to clean the first couple of inches of each section of pipe.

Next cut a length of replacement copper pipe to fit the gap that was removed in the supply line. Make sure to clean each end of the replacement copper pipe section with sandpaper, steel wool, and a rag. Then apply flux to the inside of the two couplings that will go on either end of the repair. Likewise apply flux to the ends of each pipe section.

Place the couplings into position over the ends of the replacement copper pipe section and then slide the other ends of the couplings over the cut ends of the supply line pipe.

Finally, sweat, or solder, the copper couplings in place using the propane torch and solder. Make sure to use lead free solder when sweating plumbing joints. When sweating copper pipes always heat the surface of the copper joint prior to applying solder to it. The solder should immediately flow around the copper fitting when the fitting is hot enough.

Building Smaller Houses Post Recession

2010-11-08T13:25:00.001-05:00

With an Economy that still Languishes Home Builders are Now Turning towards Building Smaller but Still Amenity Rich Homes

By Mark J. Donovan

Since the collapse of the housing market in 2006 home builders, such as Toll Brothers, have been wrestling with how to attract new home buyers. Their most recent post recession solution has been to shrink the size of their new homes while preserving as many of the luxuries and amenities as possible. The results to date seem to indicate that they might have found a viable recipe. With construction costs down from $170 to $100 per square foot, and prices starting at under $220K for their new 2,000 square foot floor plans, initial sales in Las Vegas, Nevada seem to be brisk.

So where are they getting the costs savings, besides shrinking the size of the home? The answer seems to be in the reduction of finished features and fewer internal walls. For example, by reducing the size of baseboard trim or eliminating some types of finishes altogether and allowing the homeowner to add these amenities later, they are able to save costs in the construction of the home. Likewise, by eliminating some internal walls and halls, they are creating larger open spaces within the home and are relying on the homeowner’s choice of furniture to partition the home into different living areas. Other builders are following Toll Brothers moves and seeing similar success.

The jury is still out on whether or not the construction of smaller houses is the long term solution for the American dream and home building market. However, regardless of the long term outcome, it is without a doubt a positive sign to a see a free market and industry clawing its way out of a long and ugly abyss.

Skylight Design and Position Considerations

2010-11-05T12:05:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Skylights can provide natural lighting to a room. They can also provide some level of warmth if chosen and positioned carefully. By carefully considering skylight design and construction, and the placement of the skylight(s) within your home or room, you can maximize these two major benefits.

When selecting a skylight make sure to fully understand the energy performance rating assigned to the skylight relative to your climate, as well as its position within the home.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) tests, certifies, and labels skylights, as well as doors and windows, for their energy performance. There are a number of factors they evaluate in the energy performance of skylights including, (1) heat gain/loss via U-factor (the rate at which a skylight conducts non-solar heat flow), solar heat gain coefficient, and air leakage, and (2) sunlight transmittance. Skylight design features that influence the energy performance include glazing, general construction and materials, and operation.

In regards to positioning a skylight in a home or room, a skylight facing a southerly direction will provide the most warmth, however the warmth could be excessive during the summer months. When positioning a skylight in a southerly direction consider including skylight shades or shade trees to help combat the solar heat during the summer months. A skylight west-faced positioned will provide afternoon natural light and warmth. A skylight east-faced positioned will provide morning natural light and maximum heat gain. A skylight faced in a northerly direction will provide relatively constant lighting but minimal heat gain throughout the day.

Stop Cold drafts and Dry Air in your Home This Winter

2010-11-04T12:01:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

If there are major temperature differences in your home during the winter months there could be a number of factors causing it. Also, if the air in your home feels very dry during the winter months, it is most likely caused by warm moist air exiting your home and cold dry air infiltrating it.

First and foremost check for air leaks around your doors and windows by running your hand around the perimeter of the door and windows frames. If you feel cold air drafts, then install door and window weatherstripping.

Second, check the heating and cooling system. Make sure it is running properly and has been serviced in the past year. Also check the duct work if you have a hot/cold air HVAC system. Improperly working or designed duct work is a leading cause of cold drafts in a home.

Finally, check the insulation in your home. Make sure you have the proper amount of insulation in your home’s floors, walls and attic space as specified by the Department of Energy for your region of the country. In particular check the basement and attic space for air leaks as they are frequently the culprits for a drafty house.

Clean Air Filters in Furnaces and Air Conditioning Systems

2010-11-03T07:56:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

If you have a hot air heating system or central air conditioning system make sure to clean their air filters annually. Clogged air filters can reduce the energy efficiency of the heating or air conditioning system and can lead to more dust circulating in the home. In addition, clogged air filters can reduce your home’s furnace or air conditioning system from keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Clean air filters also help to extend the life of HVAC systems. Replacing HVAC air filters is inexpensive and easy to do, so there are no excuses for not doing so.

Lead Education Training for Renovating, Repairing or Painting Pre 1978 Built Homes

2010-11-02T05:27:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Last night I met with the company Lead-EDU in Manchester, NH. They offer EPA/HUD certification training courses for contractors on Renovating, Repairing and Painting (RRP) homes built pre 1978.

Homes built prior to 1978 could very possibly contain lead paint. The EPA has strict rules for home renovation and remodeling contractors on how to test and address older homes that may contain lead paint. Consequently, if you have a home built prior to 1978 and plan to have renovation work performed on it that may involve disturbing any of its existing paint, make sure to use a contractor that has received RRP certification. If you are a contractor and have plans to work on a home built prior to 1978 you are required by law to obtain this certification.

Lead-Edu provides lead education training and RRP certification classes and programs for contractors, as well as Lead Test Kits for conducting lead risk assessments. To learn more about Lead Education Training and RRP Certification visit Lead-Edu.info.

Prevent Ice Dams this Winter - Now

2010-11-01T15:05:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Prevent ice dams this winter by inspecting your attic this fall for proper insulation. Check the Department of Energy’s website to see what the right amount of attic insulation is for your region of the country. Typically a home needs anywhere from R-30 to R-49 in the attic. By installing the necessary amount of insulation in the attic now you can prevent ice dams, and their damaging effects that come along with them, this winter.

Also make sure the soffit vents are not blocked and that the ridge vent or gable vents are in good working order as well. To prevent ice dams it is important that any warm air that may filter up into the attic from the lower living areas, and through the attic insulation, be quickly released from the attic. Having a good attic venting system will ensure this happens. Warm moist air that gets trapped in the attic can cause snow to melt and turn to ice on the outer side of the shingled roof. The melting snow that occurs can quickly form ice dams near the roof eaves when the attic and outside air temperatures drop below 32 degrees (F) in the evening.

See HomeAdditionPlus.com’s article on “Preventing Ice Dams” to learn more.

High Energy Bills are often Related to Window and Door Leaks

2010-11-01T14:36:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Check your home's exterior doors and windows for cold drafts this fall. Much of the heat loss associated with a home comes from damaged or non-existent door and window weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can lose its resiliency and end up not forming a tight seal up against window sashes and door frames.

If your home's windows are old, consider replacing them with double pane low-E glass windows. Prices on replacement windows varies dramatically, however even the cheapest ones will do a better job of lowering your home energy bills than an old drafty window that does not close or open properly.

See HomeAdditionPlus.com's "Wood Replacement Window Installation" to learn more.

Likewise, if your doors are old, drafty and provide poor insulation R-value consider replacing them as well.

Exterior House Painting this Weekend

2010-11-01T07:20:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Much of my past weekend was dedicated to exterior house painting. The paint on my family room addition house siding and exterior trim work had faded dramatically in the past year or so and was looking quite splotchy. So, with the weather still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (just barely) I decided to make exterior house painting my weekend project. The previous weekend I had cleaned the house siding with a pressure washer and a house siding detergent so all conditions were right for tackling this project.

I started off my weekend exterior house painting project by first painting the house siding on Saturday. On Sunday I went back and painted all of the trim work. My biggest pain in the neck was shuffling around the heavy fiberglass ladder and positioning it so that it would not inadvertently tilt or slide over when I was standing on it.

After finishing painting the exterior trim on Sunday, I went back and used a razor blade to clean up around the windows. Finally I decided to caulk around the windows to reduce air drafts into the home. I had noticed while doing the exterior house painting that much of the old caulk had separated from the house siding and window frame. With the ladder already out and in place, it only took a few minutes to caulk the windows.

The newly painted house siding and trim work around the family room looks great. So much so that I have convinced myself that if weather conditions permit, I may elect to dedicate next weekend to exterior house painting too. The garage could use a fresh coat as well!

Pressure Washing House Siding

2010-10-23T16:16:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

With gorgeous fall weather in place I went out today and pressure washed my house siding in preparation for painting it in the next couple of weeks. It is amazing all of the dirt and grime, as well as mold and mildew, that collect on house siding. The house already looks 100% better by simply pressure washing it.

Dragging a pressure washer around the house, however, with all of the connecting hoses is a bit of a hassle, and suffice it to say I was pretty much drenched by the end of the project. That said, I can't imagine not using a pressure washer. It would have taken forever using a broom or mop and a bucket of water.

New Home Construction Continues to Limp Along in September

2010-10-21T11:33:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

The Commerce Department recently reported that U.S. home construction for September increased an overall mere 0.3% over the previous month, though up 4.1% from September 2009. Single family home construction drove the overall increase, with an increase of 4.4% in September 2010. New construction permits, however, dropped 5.6% during the same timeframe. The National Association of Home Builders remains negative on the home construction market due to lack of buyers, depressed or still falling house prices, and tight mortgage lending practices.

None of this news should be surprising with 10% unemployment, impending higher income taxes for all, and lack of clarity on health insurance costs in the coming year. Until unemployment starts to drop, and there is clarity on tax and health insurance costs, buyers are likely to stay where they are; on the sidelines waiting and watching the U.S. economy for signs of improvement.

Even when there is clarity and positive signs in the U.S. economy it still may be years before the housing market fully recovers. The bottom line, there is simply years of excess housing inventory on the market or abandon. Until this excess inventory is either consumed or destroyed, home construction will most likely continue to limp along.

Prevent Bat Home Invasions with Foam Insulation

2010-10-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Today I installed foam insulation along my home’s roof line, between the rake trim boards and clapboard siding. There is about a ½ to ¾ inch air gap between the two. I installed the foam insulation to prevent bats from congregating in my roof eaves and working their way into my attic.

Over the years I would occasionally find the random bat in my home’s attic, however this year while looking up at my home’s roof during dusk, I saw about a dozen bats exit from under the rake trim boards into the night air. The following afternoon I took a garden hose and sprayed water up into the area where I saw the bats exit the home. Sure enough, about a dozen bats flew out from underneath the rake boards.

By installing the foam insulation, the same foam insulation that is used to wrap plumbing pipes, I hope to prevent the bats from setting up home in my house. I simply used a metal claw to push the insulation up in between the rake boards and the clapboard siding. It wedged in nice and tightly so I am not concerned about it working its way out.

So if you see signs of bats in your attic, e.g. actual bats or bat guano, or observe them exiting the rake boards on your home, consider installing foam insulation tubes in any potential openings along your home’s roof line. It’s inexpensive and easy to do. Just be careful on the ladders. Also, you may want to install the foam insulation tubes shortly after sunset when the bats have exited your home. This way you want trap or squish any when installing the insulation.

My Recovering Lawn

2010-10-06T20:59:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Between this past summer’s heat, lack of rain and grubs my lawn was virtually destroyed this summer. At first I thought it was just the lack of rain and the heat that was killing my lawn. However after observing the crows pecking at my lawn in the early morning in August, I quickly realized it was more than just the drought and heat conditions that were killing the lawn.

Due to the fact that I have a private well with only moderate capacity, watering the lawn was not an option to address the drought issue. Resolving the grub issue, however, was something that I could address. Initially I applied Spectracide to my lawn and noticed moderate success with killing the grubs. A month later I dethatched the lawn and then applied Grubex and fertilizer. The following week I over-seeded the lawn with grass seed after confirming rain was finally on the way. A week or so later, with a couple of days of rain during that time, I began to see some sprigs of new grass. Unfortunately a week later I realized there were still quite a few bare patches, where the new grass seed did not germinate. Consequently I went out again and over-seeded the lawn once more. At this time I am happy to report that all of the new grass seed has germinated and the lawn is now in full recovery.

Though I still won’t be able to do much during the next hot and dry summer, I will inspect my lawn periodically for signs of grubs and apply a grub killer as necessary.

KILZ Launches Pro Painter Sweepstakes Contest

2010-09-28T12:55:00.003-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

KILZ, the paint and primer company, announced last week their first ever National Pro Promotion contest. It is a contest targeted only to professional painters and offers them a chance to win a new Ford F-150 truck as the grand prize. There are also other prizes to win including BRAVIA 46” LCD HDTV and Sony Home Theater Systems, and Coleman Tailgate Packages. To learn more and to participate in this contest see: http://www.kilzpropainter.com/. Hurry as the sweepstakes contest ends this week!!

Home Construction up 4% in August, But Stormy Skies Still Ahead

2010-09-21T12:17:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Though not a grand slam, seeing single family home construction increase 4% in August over the previous month was a welcome sign. Apartments and condominiums also shot up a whopping 32% during the same timeframe. This said new home construction starts are still down 78% from their peak in January of 2006.

Though this news was encouraging I am still not optimistic that the housing market is on a clear path to prosperous times again. With unemployment ticking up to 9.6% officially and slated to go even higher before year end, its unimaginable that sustained improvement in home construction starts will continue unabated. In addition, with so much uncertainty in the national politics, massive tax increases kicking in January for everyone, and expected large health insurance premium increases starting soon, it’s hard to believe that there is smooth sailing ahead in the home construction industry. On top of these harsh realities there are still many prospective home buyers waiting and hoping on the sidelines for even lower house prices. Couple all of these facts with a high inventory of existing homes on the market and increasing foreclosures and the prospects of a sustained improvement in the home construction business seems highly unlikely.

It appears builders feel the same way about the home construction market prospects. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also reported its monthly index of builders’ sentiment in September, and it remained unchanged at 13. This is the second month that it has been at this level, the lowest since March of 2009.

Until there is a change in the national politics, less uncertainty with out-of-pocket expenses, and more income into the savings accounts of the average homebuyer, the home construction business is likely to stay in the doldrums for the foreseeable future, regardless of this positive blip of news.

Trip to Annecy, France and Classic Stone House

2010-09-19T18:00:00.008-05:00

Spent the Week on the Shores of Annecy Lake in a Classic Chateau Style Hotel

By Mark J. Donovan

Last week I was in Annecy, France and had a chance to climb a mountain in the foothills of the French Alps. Along the way to the mountain I was able to snap some gorgeous photos. Shown in the adjacent picture is a classic stone house on the outskirts of Annecy, France.

The views at the top of the mountain were absolutely spectacular. I also had a chance to observe up close and in person paragliding. I watched probably a hundred people take off from the edge of the mountain (around 1300 meters) into the skies over the Annecy Lake valley area. Though I didn’t attempt to paraglide this time, it’s on my list of things to do on my next trip to Annecy, France.

While in Annecy, I stayed at the Palace de Menthon, a classic chateau style hotel sitting on the shores of Annecy Lake. Annecy Lake was absolutely gorgeous with emerald water. It sits at the foothills of the French Alps, near the Swiss border and is absolutely crystal clear. It is considered the cleanest lake in all of Europe, and I have to agree. It was simply spectacular.

Besides the gorgeous views and climate, the wine and food were also phenomenal. Suffice it to say, I am looking forward to visiting Annecy, France again and connecting up with my European colleagues.

Clean Gutters with the Onset of Fall Weather

2010-08-31T07:21:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

It is important to make sure to periodically clean your gutters with the approach of fall weather. With leaves falling off the trees and strong winds associated with hurricane season, gutters can often become clogged with leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage in the attic, home and basement. Clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams during the winter months. Ice dams can cause water damage in the attic and cause the gutters to pull away from the home.

To clean gutters you need a ladder, garden hose, and a pair of work gloves. Make sure when using a ladder that it is set properly on the ground to prevent accidental falls. Clean gutters by initially removing leaf and branch debris with your hands. Then use a garden hose to force residual debris and water down the length of the gutter and out the down spouts.

Also while cleaning the gutters, inspect for and repair any damaged gutter pieces. Also make sure the fascia trim boards adjacent to the gutters are not showing any sign of rot. You may also want to scrub the exposed fascia board to remove any mold or mildew that may have formed on them.

Plunging Home Sales is Clarion Call for Economic Change

2010-08-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

This week’s news reports about plunging existing and new home sales should not come as a big surprise. The unemployment rate still officially stands at 9.5% and the administration says it could get worse before it gets better. We are already seeing signs that their prediction is coming to fruition. Honestly, who’s going to buy a home when they are either unemployed or worried about becoming unemployed? To some it may appear incomprehensible that with recent rising profits businesses would not be hiring. However, if you put yourself in the shoes of either a large or small business owner you might be doing the same – preparing for a business profit ice-age.

With U.S. federal corporate tax rates at 35% they are already nearly twice as high as the international average. Then foist upon them major health care legislation costs and huge increases in tax rates as of January, 2010 and you can’t help but understand their hesitancy in hiring. Capital gains and interest and dividend tax rates, for example, are set to jump from 15% to 39.6% in January. That’s a 165% increase!! Those types of tax increases on business and investors generate a giant sucking sound in profits and market caps. Reduced profitability and lower market capitalizations hurt businesses ability to retain employees let alone hire them.

So no one should be surprised with the latest dismal home sales reports, and quite frankly no one should be surprised to see this trend continue. Until there is a change in direction on federal corporate and personal tax policy, and until there is clarity on health care cost impacts, large and small business alike will continue to be slow in hiring if they hire at all. Simply calling for the federal government to print more fiat money for more make-work “state” jobs won’t cut it. No truly objective observer really believes the trillions that have already been spent in the past couple of years on banks, unions, and poorly run state bailout programs has done anything appreciably positive for the United States. Based on the falling value of the US dollar and U.S. Stock Exchanges, it’s obvious the world doesn’t believe the spending has worked, so why should we.

To conclude, if the administration and congress continue on their current reckless spending, power grab, and corporate regulation course, future United States homebuyers may soon be doing what other citizens have done in other federally run government centralized countries, standing in line for state owned housing and awaiting government issued food and furnishing handouts. So much for the American dream. If change is not imminent, get ready to put a fork in it as we are done as our forefathers new us.

Visited Montreal, Canada This Weekend

2010-08-22T19:06:00.006-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I had a chance to spend the weekend up in Canada this weekend. I based myself in Montreal, but spent much of Saturday up at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort area checking out homes and the scenery. What a beautiful place. It was like being in the European Alps.

I also had a chance to spend two evenings in old Montreal and see the Notre Dame Cathederal and other tourist attractions.

Suffice it to say, what a beautiful city and great people. I was shocked when a Metro worker came out from behind his glass window information office to spend 10 minutes talking with us. He gave us detailed directions and made recommendations on what to see in Montreal.

Above is a picture looking over at the ski resort of Mont Tremlant in Quebec, Canada.

Leading Indicator of Home Remodeling Activity Shows Hope - Maybe

2010-08-10T12:10:00.001-05:00

The American Dream of Owning a Home, and Caring for it, Appears to be Fading

Mark J. Donovan

Last month Harvard’s “Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint center for Housing Studies” reported that home remodeling spending is expected to accelerate in early 2011. This is based on its “Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity”, also known as LIRA. However the report is quick to state “absent a reversal of recent economic progress”.

I’m not so sure that there has been any real economic progress, at least at the homeowner and consumer level. Certainly corporations showed some positive quarterly reports earlier this year, but the ability for them to sustain those positive earnings are now coming into question. But in terms of unemployment, at 9.5% officially and 20% unofficially, homeowners and consumers have yet to see any economic bullish times.

Reviewing the LIRA historical data table linked in the report (Home Remodeling Spending Report) it is astounding to see that homeowner improvement spending has declined from 3Q2007 through 1Q2010 in every quarter, and is expected to continue to fall until 4Q2010. Based on new economic data since this July report, it may be even longer before there is finally an uptick in homeowner improvement spending.

The data further suggests that homeowner improvement spending peaked at $146.2B in 2Q2007, and is expected to fall to $107.7B by 3Q2010. That represents a 36% decline in homeowner improvement spending. This fact is both shocking and not surprising. Not surprising that homeowner spending dropped, but shocking by how much. The home has been historically the quintessential American dream. Based on a combination of economic conditions and possibly a new view of owning a home, it appears that the home is no longer a special commodity in the hearts of Americans.

Managing Home Remodeling Costs

2010-08-10T06:47:00.006-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

When managing a major home remodeling project, trying to keep track of multiple contractor material lists can be nearly impossible. In addition, trying to use multiple paper copy cost breakdown lists to manage overal home remodeling project costs is impossible.

By organizing all of the material and labor costs in one home construction Excel spreadsheet file you can more easily manage your home remodeling costs. Check out my home remodeling bid sheets and their associated material / labor Excel spreadsheet forms to learn how you can more accuratlely manage your home remodeling construction costs.

Wood Flooring Installation Checklist

2010-08-02T19:42:00.005-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I just released my lastest new bid sheet / checklist, the "Wood Flooring Installation Bid Sheet". The Wood flooring installation Bid Sheet provides a 100 question "Request for Quote" section for soliciting wood flooring installation contractor bids. It also includes information on wood flooring material and labor costs and time intervals for completing work. Lastly, it includes a homeowners section on how to interpret hardwood floor installation contractor responses to the "Request for Quote" section, so that the right wood flooring installation professional is hired.

Learn how to find the real wood flooring installation professionals who know all the trade secrets in achieving a beautiful wood floor installation and finish that will hold up for decades to come. Steer clear of an expensive learning lesson and disappointment. Order my Wood Flooring Installation Checklist / Bid Sheet today and learn how to avoid wood flooring installation disasters.

Foam Based Sealant for Closing Joints and Cracks

2010-07-22T12:09:00.001-05:00

Owens Corning Announces New Foam Insulation Sealant to Complement its Batt Insulation Products

Mark J. Donovan

The new foam insulation sealant from Owens Corning is part of its EnergyCompleteTM insulation product line. The foam sealant is a low expanding air infiltration barrier product that utilizes a flexible seal technology that makes it ideal for using around doors and windows, as well as in sheathing joints and cracks. It is also ideal around duct work and construction joints.

Using a portable sprayer, it is easily applied and foams in places. In addition, it does not require the use of a mask or full body protection when applying it. Also, because of its low expansion level it is ideal to use around doors and windows.

The foam based sealant sets up in less than 30 minutes. Once fully set, batt insulation can then be installed over or adjacent to it.

Insulating with rolled or batt insulation around doors and windows and in construction seams is slow and ineffective in many cases. Using a foam sealant such as this product can save time and insulation installation costs, as well as make for a better insulated home.

Attended Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH

2010-07-19T14:50:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

This past Saturday I attended the Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH and got a chance to see some of the latest in green technology. Of particular interest to me was the geothermal heating and cooling system offered by Dragin GeoThermal of Meredith, NH. In the winter time, a geothermal system works by drawing BTUs from the ground to heat a home. In the summer time, the processed is reversed by drawing BTUs from the home and sinking them into the ground to provide air conditioning. The geothermal HVAC process is relatively simple in function however it provides a much higher efficiency than oil and gas furnaces. In addition, geothermal systems are eligible for energy efficiency tax credits.

Besides geothermal, there were other neat booths that showed off the latest in solar and wind energy systems designed specifically for the home.

I was also impressed with a steel roofing product that is designed to emulate the look of architectural asphalt shingles. It is guaranteed for 50 years, and from just a few feet away looks like any other standard architectural asphalt shingle. The material cost of this type of roofing is about 30% higher than standard asphalt shingles; however the labor costs are on par, to a little less, than installing standard asphalt shingles. They are also designed to support wind velocities of up to 100 MPH.

There were also a number of lake home builders in attendance showing off pictures and sketches of their lakeside home construction projects around the New Hampshire lakes region area.

Furniture and accessory suppliers who cater to lake side homes were also in abundance. Some of the furniture was quite ornate in appearance. Natural building products and faux fauna indigenous to the area were heavily emphasized in the displays.

There were also a couple of chainsaw wood carvers/artists who were showing off and demonstrating their work. Each made a variety of bear and other animal statues out of White Pine logs.

Overall the show was very interesting, however the weather was quite warm and humid.

Summers the Time for Deck Construction

2010-07-15T11:59:00.002-05:00

Increase the Value of your Home by Building a Deck this Summer

Mark J. Donovan

What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a backyard deck. Summer is the perfect time of the year for deck construction. A deck addition provides exterior living space to your home and is highly prized by homebuyers.

Before contacting a deck building contractor make sure to initially jot down your top level deck requirements, and preferred decking materials. Also, sketch out the size and location of your deck, making sure to include dimensional information. Documenting deck addition plans upfront will ensure that your discussions with prospective deck contractors will be fruitful. In addition, your deck construction quotes should be more accurate and the chances of getting a constructed deck to what you’ve envisioned will be dramatically improved.

See my Deck Installation Bid Sheet if you would like more tips on how to build a deck and hire the right deck contractor.

If you are in need of help in finding a local and pre-screened deck building contractor visit Find Local Deck Building Contractors at HomeAdditionPlus.com.

Double Dip Housing Market Looms Ahead

2010-07-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

Mark J. Donovan

Not surprisingly new housing sales data suggests that the United States is entering a double dip housing market recession. Home sale prices stagnated in June, only increasing 0.1% and in a number of areas of the country home sale prices actually declined several percentage points.

As I have said before, this should not come as a big surprise to anyone who has their own reasoning skills. With employment at nearly 10% officially, and nearly 20% unofficially, and the end of the home buyer tax credit what else could be expected. Add to these facts looming tax increases for everyone with the soon to end “Bush Tax Cuts” and tight mortgage lending, and it is no wonder why the American public is skittish on purchasing high priced items such as homes.

So what’s causing this second double dip housing market? Not surprisingly, Keynesian economics. With Keynesian economics the government takes a more active role in managing the flow of money through lower interest rates and “stimulus spending”, such as the home tax credits that have been handed out up until the end of April. Though the home tax credit provided some instant gratification for a sagging housing market it has negatively influenced the housing market for the long haul. Pent up home buyer thirst was slaked by the home tax credit that has now expired. Unfortunately, like a camel, the housing market thirst has been quenched for some time to come.

As a result, don’t be surprised to see any real improvement in the housing market until sometime in 2011, and only if federal economic policy has begun to change. Let’s all hope so. A continued economic policy of stimulating an economy by mainly giving out government handouts with fiat money, while at the same time having no private sector job growth, is a recipe for national economic disaster.

Repairing a Punctured Tire

2010-06-24T11:52:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

This past weekend my son reported that the previous day he noticed that there was a warning light on in the car. After going out to check we quickly discovered that the front passenger side tire was flatter than a pancake.

After swapping out the flat tire with the spare tire and seeing there was a nail hole in the tire, I ran down to the local garage. Unfortunately it was closed for the day. So, with little other choice, I ran over to a hardware store and picked up one of those $5 kits for repairing a punctured tire.

Suffice it to say, within 5 minutes I had repaired the flat tire and within 30 minutes I was back home with the tire reinstalled on the car.

The tire repair kit consisted of two tools. One basically was a threaded reamer that you slid into the hole and pushed and rotated a few times in the nail hole. The second tool was for installing a rubber plug. After reaming out the nail hole, all I needed to do was insert the plug into the end of the other tool, apply some adhesive glue to the rubber plug that came with the kit, and push the tool with the plug attached to it into the tire. After sinking the plug into the tire, I quickly pulled the tool out of the nail hole, leaving the plug in place.

The plug should be placed into the tire about 2/3rds of the length of the folded plug.

After repairing the punctured tire, I immediately filled it up with air and it was ready to reinstall on the car.

So with my new found skill, the next time I have a flat tire I plan to skip the garage.

Sorry Sir, I need to Inspect your Head

2010-06-17T05:24:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Yesterday while going through airline security I experienced yet a new low in airline travel. I had just gone through one of the new X-ray backscatter imaging machines and was told to stand aside and wait. While I stood next to a TSA employee, he was on his radio going back and forth with one of his colleagues on what to do with me. At first, I was not sure what the issue was. The TSA did not attempt to wand me down or explain to me what the issue was. Finally, after a minute or so of back and forth conversations on his radio, he finally spoke to me and said, “This is going to sound funny, but sorry sir, I need to inspect your head”. At 6’ 4” I was apparently too tall for the X-ray machine and consequently my head didn’t get scanned. As a result, he had to do an “inspection of my head”. My first reaction to him was “are you kidding, I’m not wearing anything on my head”. To myself, I thought what is he going to do, pat down my head? Instead he said, “No problem” and then proceeded to walk around me visually inspecting my head. A couple of seconds later I was allowed to proceed on to my gate.

Though the TSA employee acted professionally and we both got a good laugh out of the incident, this episode was just another example in my mind of the pure stupidity of our current security processes through airports. In an attempt to not offend a few, we instead abuse all by putting every air traveler through the ringer. Besides the wasted time of millions of air travelers every day we are now being nearly stripped of all personal dignity. The new X-ray scanners require a person to strip down to a level not typically required of the basic metal detectors. For example, belts, shoes, and wallets MUST come off to go through the new X-ray scanners, where as with the traditional metal detectors much of the time you could leave these items on. In addition, when standing in one of the new X-ray scanners, you need to turn sideways, spread your legs, and put your hands over your head. Do these words sound familiar to you? Do they make you feel a little nervous or wonder where we are headed as a “free country or people”?

The other concern I have is that though the TSA’s website talks about the low level of radiation doses each person is receiving with the backscatter X-ray machines I was surprised that there were no placards on or near the machines stating this. Ironically there was a large placard stating “No snow globes aloud in carryon baggage anymore”. Yes, the little glass balls you shake with the little snowflakes in them.

I also wonder, that even though the radiation doses were low per individual per scan, what the total dose accumulated over hundreds or even thousands of flights throughout a person’s lifetime could be. X-ray radiation accumulates in the body, so how many airport X-ray scans can a person go through before the total X-ray radiation exposure IS a concern. And how about for the TSA employees who stand hour after hour near the machines. Are they safe? Finally, what is the X-ray radiation exposure level that air travelers, as a whole, are being subjected to, all for the sake of not offending a few?

Though my latest air travel experience produced a laugh, it also raised my frustration and concerns again for the United States policy on airline security. I find it ironic, that in the age of incredibly intelligent search engine and database technologies, that smarter and less obtrusive ways of screening air travelers cannot be performed. I also find it ironic, that in order to protect the rights of a few “risk travelers” that all travelers must be subjected to abuse and a loss of dignity. I have no doubt, with the current Crow Magnum approach to airport security it won’t be long before we are fully undressing at airports and standing in line to walk through a door marked with a rubber glove placard.

"Installing Crown Molding" Ebook Price Reduction

2010-06-15T12:04:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

I recently reduced the price on the HomeAdditionPlus.com "Installing Crown Molding Ebook" from $19 down to the low price of $15.

Crown molding adds old fashion beauty and charm to a home like no other type of interior trim. Crown molding is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, dens and libraries. It's also used commonly in kitchens and hallways.

Before tackling your own crown molding installation project, check out our "Installing Crown Molding Ebook". It teaches you all of the carpentry skills you'll need to complete a professional looking crown molding project, and without wasting a fortune on scrap crown molding material. It is a 20 page Ebook that fully documents the process of installing crown molding and it is loaded with complementary instructional pictures.

Latest HomeAdditionPlus.com Newsletter (June, 14, 2010)

2010-06-15T11:56:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

Yesterday I released my latest HomeAdditionPlus.com newsletter. In it I include a new Puzzler Contest Question. Send me your correct answer to the Puzzler Question and you have a chance to win a $100 Home Depot gift certificate and a free can of KILZ Clean Start zero VOC primer.

Besides the Puzzler contest, there are several other interesting home improvement topics discussed that you will want to read about, including a video on how to install a new garage door opener, and an article on fireplace firebacks.

So check out my newsletter at HomeAdditionPlus.com Newsletter today!

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator

2010-06-14T12:03:00.002-05:00

Get Estimated Roofing Costs in Just Seconds

By mark J. Donovan

I just completed an asphalt shingle roofing cost calculator that I have posted on HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator is a free tool for homeowners to quickly get an idea of how much it is going to cost them to have their roof reshingled. All that you need to do to use the roofing cost calculator is answer a few simple questions and hit the calculate button. Within seconds, your internet browser will refresh and provide you with an estimated asphalt shingle roofing cost estimate. You can also easily go back and change responses to the questions to produce additional asphalt shingle roofing cost estimates.

The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator complement’s HomeAdditionPlus.com’s highly popular Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet has been out for several years and has helped many homeowners hire the right roofing contractor for their particular roofing project. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet includes:

A "Request for Quote" Roofing Contractor Checklist
Expected Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Estimates
Extensive asphalt shingle roofing guidance tips, to ensure a shingled roof that will not leak and stand up to the worst of wind conditions.

So if your home’s asphalt shingled roof is in rough shape, make sure to check out HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator and Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet today!

Is it the Right Time to Buy a New Home?

2010-06-07T10:42:00.002-05:00

Evaluate both the Federal and your own Personal Financial Prospects Before Buying a New Home

By Mark J. Donovan

The housing market has been in a tail spin for about 3 years now. On average, selling home prices are down nearly 30% from their peak. Mortgage rates are still at their lowest levels in nearly 50 years. So is now the right time to buy a new home? Is now the time to take the plunge and scale up to the bigger or more luxurious home? In some cases the answer is a definite, absolutely! On the other hand, it also depends upon your particular situation, e.g. your employment status? It also depends on your timeline on how long you plan on holding onto the new home.

So the answer on buying a new home is still somewhat grey in many peoples’ minds today, and that is why the housing market has continued to languish. Very few people have confidence in the staying power of their employment, if they even have employment. With 10% unemployment officially, and more like 17-18% unofficially, there are many people either out of work or know of a friend or neighbor that is.

So to determine if this is the right time to buy a new home for you, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first.

First, are you ultimately long term optimistic about the country’s future? If you are, then it may make sense to buy that new home now. If you’re not, then you might want to hunker down to a European austerity program lifestyle.

My personal view is that though our federal, state, and local governments have been spending with unwanted abandoned for the past 18 to 24 months, the American public is finally sobering up to the fact that they were sold a utopian fantasy by the latest group of progressive charlatans. I suspect center America will not put up with this much longer and through the power of the voting booth begin to rectify this problem in November. So being an optimist, I suspect our current financial and unemployment crisis will not stand, and thus the housing market will significantly improve in the next couple of years.

Second, are you optimistic about your own future employment? If you’re comfortable with your present employment situation for the next couple of years, then now may be a good time to buy the new home. Again, with a change in federal political leadership, we should expect to see a re-investment in corporations and entrepreneurs by 2011/2012. By offering tax incentives and investments into emerging business opportunities the U.S. should begin to see sustainable growth in the next 3 to 5 years, thus ensuring your employability out to and beyond 2015. If, on the other hand, you’re current employment is tenuous then now may not be a good time to buy the new home. It may make more sense to hold off a couple of years until the employment picture becomes a bit more clearer.

Third, is your family growing? If it is, then now is probably a very good time to buy a new home. Unless we go into a depression, which could happen if things don’t change at the federal level this fall – but I’m optimistic they will, this is the time to buy the new home. If you have steady employment and a growing family, the chances of finding home prices and borrowing rates this cheap may not happen again in your lifetime.

So evaluate your own financial situation and ask yourself if you believe the country will change its course to a more financially prudent one. If you are bullish on both of these accounts, then buy the new home and hold on for the ride. It could be a little choppy in the next year or two, but 5 years from now I think the picture will be much brighter. Let’s hope so for all our sakes!!

No Surprise Home Sale Contract Signings were Up In April

2010-06-03T07:38:00.004-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

So is anyone really surprised that home sale contract signings were up in April. Anyone with a pulse and was in the market for buying a home new the home purchase federal tax credit was about to expire on 5/1/10. To qualify for the federal hand out, a purchase and sales contract needed to be signed by this date.

Though some in the real estate industry are touting this positive factoid as signs of things to come in the hard hit real estate market, I'm not so sure. With the federal tax credit now expired, what's the compelling reason to go out and buy a new home. Interest rates have been at record lows for months and home sales and prices have languished at best. Until the employment picture becomes brighter I'm hard pressed to believe that this uptick in home sale contract signings is sustainable. As a matter of fact, I won't be at all surprised to see that actual home sale contract signings dropped in May and will stay flat through June.

Time will tell, but until the job market improves don't expect any explosive improvement in home sales.

Pollen Clouds Hazing Up the Memorial Day Weekend Skyline

2010-05-30T12:59:00.003-05:00

Pollen Clouds Blanketing New Hampshire

By Mark J. Donovan

I looked out my front windows late this morning and saw this thick haze over Lake Winnipesaukee. It was as if it was late July with 90 degree temps and equal humidity levels. The only difference was that this haze had a yellow tint. It was pollen.

We've had very little rain in central New Hampshire for the past several weeks and the pollen from the trees is just blowing all over the place. Its like watching large low level clouds float by.

The pollen is also coating everything on the ground. Its as if a volcano errupted and spewed an ash cloud over us.

Hopefully we'll get some rain soon to wash this pollen away.

Cleaning Your Deck

2010-05-30T06:09:00.002-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

If you want to keep your deck looking like new then you should plan on cleaning your deck a few times a year. On top of that you should at least sweep or hose it down once every few weeks depending upon the time of the year. In the spring, for example, when the pollen is blowing off of the trees you should plan on hosing down your deck once a week. Otherwise you'll find yourself walking on a coating of yellow pollen dust.

Cleaning your deck involves some time and the proper tools. To learn the specific techniques and tools for making your deck look like new see my full article at: Deck Cleaning and Maintenance.

Deck Maintenance

2010-05-27T13:19:00.000-05:00

How to Properly Maintain a Deck

By Mark J. Donovan

Regular deck maintenance is a necessity, face it or not. So the main question to ask yourself is do you prefer to perform minor deck maintenance work regularly, or wait and deal with more significant and expensive deck maintenance problems down the road. I prefer the former, as I like to save money and I like my decks looking like new as much as possible.

Maintaining a deck regularly involves cleaning the deck every couple of months with a deck cleaning solution and a garden hose, and at least once a year pulling out the broom and/or brush and really scrubbing the deck surface.

In addition, proper deck maintenance means inspecting the deck periodically for damaged boards, popped nails and peeling deck sealers and paints. As soon as you discover these types of deck maintenance issues, they should be addressed. Old damaged decking boards should be replaced, popped nails replaced with slightly larger nails, and peeling decks stripped and resurfaced.

By keeping up with these basic deck maintenance activities you should be able to keep your deck looking like new and extend the life of your deck dramatically.

House Prices Rebounded Last Quarter in Hardest hit Housing Markets

2010-05-11T12:10:00.001-05:00

By Mark J. Donovan

The housing market continues to show small signs of improvement according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Housing prices actually increased in the past 3 months in 91 cities across the United States. Hardest hit communities saw home sale prices increase dramatically. Saginaw, Michigan, for example, saw home sale prices double over the past quarter to an average sale price of $60,800. Nationally, the average home sale price actually dropped 0.7%. Though it was a drop, it was a dramatically reduced drop than previous quarters in recent years. Since 2006, home prices have fallen near 30%, so any sign of stabilizing home sale prices, even reported as a small drop, is a positive step towards a recovering housing market.

If the economy continues to show improvement, and unemployment inches down even just a little, 2010 could represent the first positive annual growth in national home sale prices since 2006. The only other unknown variable is the expiration of the home purchase tax credit which expired on May 1st. The home purchase tax credit has helped to mitigate falling home sale prices over the past year or so, and with the expiration of it, there is the risk that the housing market could stagnate or even falter again if the economic and unemployment picture do not improve.