Homeowner Horror Stories: Bad Roof Jobs (And How To Prevent Them From Happening To You)

Whether it’s a bad paint job, a miserable remodel, or lousy landscaping it’s likely you’ve heard (or experienced) your share of homeowner horror stories. I’ve had some minor mishaps, but nothing comes close to what my friend from high school went through a few months ago. She and her family live in Virginia and last summer she decided to replace the roof on her home. Long story short, she hired a roofing company to do the job. The work came with a 30-year-warranty, but within a few months the shingles started curling. Oh, and did I mention, prior to that … Continue reading

Giving Your Home A New Year’s Physical

In a previous blog I addressed New Year’s resolutions and how homeowners should resolve to create a comprehensive home maintenance plan. Not only will it get 2007 off to a great start, it will likely prevent costly problems in the months to come. Sure, like many resolutions the concept may sound terrific at first, but once it’s time to actually roll up your sleeves and get to work your enthusiasm may wane and your resolution to whip your home into shape fall flat. This is where I find having a checklist and a prodding (I mean helpful) spouse comes in … Continue reading

All About Snow Removal

As I write this I am watching a steady rainfall melt what is left of a recent snowfall, which blanketed our lawn. I can’t help but smile as I watch the falling drops slowly eat away at the remaining piles of dirty snow (what can I say I’m from Hawaii). We were lucky, this last storm only brought us a few inches, while our neighbors to the south saw up to 20 inches of the white stuff fall in less than 24 hours. Back then snow removal was the talk of the state. Today I sit and watch as Mother … Continue reading