Hanging The Stuff Is Hard Enough

Siding, Windows, Wood Rot & Vomit!

Home Safety Series Part I

How To: Have A Prize-Winning Appraisal Party
Appraisers. You’re not going to fool them, so don’t waste your time trying to do so. But there are a few things to consider pre-appraisal in order to reap maximum value out of your home evaluation. And remember what I always tell you: Your home is your largest investment, right?  Well, this is your time to shine.  Show off your investment in its “Sunday best.” Make Necessary Minor Repairs Windows - Replace all broken windows Appliances - All should be in working order Steps/Railings - Repair if hazardous Clean Up Your Crap

Do You Want to Remodel Your Home, or Do You Want to Remain Happily Married? Have Your Cake & Eat
I read a recent blog that claimed one out of every three marriages end up on serious rocks before the end of a major home remodeling project. I’m not so sure that I’m willing to accept this statement as fact, but it’s a very accurate claim in the sense that home remodeling projects have the ability to take a serious toll on a relationship. Want to remodel your home? Want to remain happily married (or, married, at the very least)? Take my advice: Wife: Share. Remember, the home belongs to the both of you. It should reflect your styles collaboratively, not individually. His lack of style

Did You Say “Cereal” Remodeling Projects?
Serial Remodeling projects are all the rave. Gone are the days of one shot, once-in-a-lifetime home remodeling projects.  More and more, today’s residential undertakings are conceived, plotted, budgeted, and carried out in a “series-like” manner that allows the homeowner to attain the ultimate end goal, through a system of achieving a series of smaller goals. Phased remodeling projects typically start out by obtaining an overall estimate for the full price of the full project.  The contractor then sits down with the homeowner and explains what phasing options are available and conceivable to the home itself. People don’t always look

If You’re NOT Taking Advantage of the Tax Credits, You’re Probably Just Ill-Informed
The amount of money that is being made available right now to home improvement-minded homeowners is just crazy. I sometimes wonder, however, are we doing a good enough job of informing you folks of the available opportunities?  I have my doubts.  Let me take a quick minute to outline the possibilities for our region: Missouri Scenario #1 $4,200 Free Tax Credit Money: You live in MO and you qualify for a KCP&L tax credit - $600 You are also a MO Gas Energy customer - $600 You purchase new energy efficient Windows - $1,500 You purchase your EE Windows through Total Home of KS (Coupon #CHA-CHING) - $1,500

Good for You. You’ve Got A House, Now What?
Your first home is likely to be one of the most erratic learning experiences of your life.  You will probably learn about things that you previously had no interest in learning whatsoever, and you will spend far more money than you ever intended to spend from the get-go.  But the flip-side of this is that you will feel an immense sense of pride for every task that you complete, every wall that you paint, every toilet that you un-clog, and every mortgage payment that you make (well, that last one doesn’t always induce pride so much as stress, fear and panic - but you get the point). Let me list a few tips for the Homeowner Newbie.  I know you’ve got a lot to take in,