Hiring a Contractor: 12 Questions to Ask a Contractor

Are you ready or thinking about some home maintenance or home improvement projects? Do you need professional assistance from a trained contractor? Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing a contractor. These questions are necessary and should be easy for any contractor to answer. If contractors cannot answer them, then it is time to interview another contractor. We also suggest you ask if all contractors have examples of their work that they can can share with you. References are also a great idea to ask for to understand how your potential contractors can work with others. These and other questions are similar to those in the following infographic detailing other related reference questions. Use technology to help understand your contractors work. Ask if you can see their work via Skype, Google Hangouts, Face time or in person.  We also like to know Read More


Maintenance Tip: Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

replace batteries in smoke detectors

Smoke detectors play a vital role in maintaining a safe home. They are usually placed in high areas in various rooms in the home like ceilings. Many detectors will chirp or make some noise, oftentimes annoying, when the battery needs to be replaced. It is a good idea to keep a regular schedule to essentially replace the batteries in the smoke detectors all at once each year. Many smoke detectors also have a test function that you Read More


3 Signs Your Gutters are Beyond Repair

3 Signs Your Gutters are Beyond RepairGuest  Blogger: Paul Kazlov

Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your roof and walls from water damage. A functioning gutter provides excellent drainage and keeps rainwater from wreaking havoc on your beautiful home. Because excessive water is infamous for flooding basements and incurring costly structural damages, gutter maintenance is required for effective precipitation drainage and Read More


Clean Wood Burning Fireplace and Flue

Clean Wood Burning Fireplace

Winter will be upon us before you know it. If you have wood burning stoves or fireplaces, now is the time to get them ready for use.  Wood burning fireplaces build up creosote and soot on chimney walls very quickly. These materials are extremely flammable and thus the chimney should be cleaned regularly. You should also inspect your chimney cap that is open on the sides with mesh to protect birds and debris from entering the stack. Make sure the mesh is intact and the cap side Read More