Aug. 23, 2008 - What is the life expectancy of your home’s components?

Take the quiz

Knowing the life expectancy of your home’s components can help you to maintain and increase its value over time.  Timely replacement of kitchen appliances, cabinets and counters not only increases efficiencies but can add intrinsic value.  Do you know how long that gas range is supposed to last? 

1. Which type of warm-air furnace has the longest life expectancy? 

Electric __       Gas  __      Oil __

2. Laminate flooring has a life expectancy of:

15-25 years  __           20-40 years  __     Lifetime  __ 

3. Heat/Smoke Detectors have a life expectancy of:

            Less than 10 years  __           More than 10 years  __  

4. Central Air Conditioning has a life expectancy of:

            15-20 years   __          20-40 years  __      10-15 years __

5. Aluminum clad windows have a life expectancy of:

            15-20 years  __           20-40 years __       10-15 years __

For the answers to these questions and a complete study for the Life Expectancy of Home Components, produced by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America Home Equity, click HERE

Jul. 1, 2008 - More uses for vinegar around the house

Cleaning on the cheap

The last time posted about the use of vinegar was in the garden. I recently came across more unexpected (at least to me) household uses for this low cost solution. Using white vinegar….

1. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water creates a great all purpose cleaner.  It cuts grease and it is less harsh than bleach on fabrics and removes ordors. 
2. Two tablespoons of salt mixed with a half cup of vinegar makes a good metal polish. The same mixture will work to remove hard water stains and calcium deposits.  Just soak a paper towel and let the solution sit for about 5-minutes, then wipe clean. 
3. Unclog your steam iron with a 50/50 solution poured into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then, unplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water. 
4. Set your microwave for 3-5 minutes on high with a 50/50 mix in a micro-safe bowl.  Afterwards, wait 3 more minutes and wipe down the interior with a clean set sponge. 
5. Remove that yellow greasy stain from your plastic ware by pouring a cup of vinegar in the bowl, then fill with water.  Let the bowl sit overnight. 
6. To remove decals brush with a couple of coats, full strenght and let the solution soak in. Wash off 

 Want more ideas for the use of vinegar?  Go to: 131 uses for vinegar

Apr. 4, 2008 - Local wildlife's buffet

Creating a deer & rabbit resistant garden

Residing here in Franklin Township, I’ve not had more frustration than dealing with deer and rabbits attacking my tiny garden. The last 4 - 5 years my problem has seemed to have worsened. But then again, those were also housing boom years that destroyed some of the wildlife’s natural habitats. Consequently, I had cut back on my gardening.

Spring has arrived and I’m thinking of giving my garden another chance with deer and rabbit resistant plants and flowers. It seems that many deer resistant flora are also rabbit resistant. I’m finding these pests will eat just about anything if hungry enough. Deer have a tendency to nibble on items that are unpalatable if they are located in their feeding area. But, the following plants are said to offer some hope: Allium, Artemesia, Baptisia, Buddleia, Clethra, Caryopteris, Digitalis, Festuca, Lavender, Miscanthus, Monarda, Nepeta, Pennisetum, Perovskia, Rugosa roses, Salvia, Santolina and Viburnum.

The use repellents can also be affective. But, different repellents should be rotated. I found a recommendation to mix a raw egg with a gallon of water and sprinkle this on the plants every couple of days would help protect the plants from the marauding deer. Spray more often during the active growing season as plants will "grow out" of the repellent quickly.

For more information, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension has an extensive list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance and good luck with your summer garden.

Apr. 1, 2008 - Home Maintenance tips for spring

Preparing your home for warmer weather

Here's a partial checklist to help keep your home in top shape.  Regular home maintenance will preserve the value in your house and keep minor problems escalating into major ones.

• Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of your home. Test them and change the battery every three months or as needed.
• Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure that they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace all high-intensity bulbs (such as halogen) with fluorescent bulbs that don't produce as much heat.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation.
• Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.
• Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion.
• Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material or cloth.
• In your yard, remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
• Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
• Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or uneven to provide a level walking surface.

For a complete guide to spring home maintenance go to HGTV.com

Sep. 28, 2007 - Five Tips for Inspecting Your Landscape

Creating curb appeal

Whether you're over-seeding the lawn, mulching the garden or planting shrubs and trees, landscaping is a great tool to increase the perceived value of your home. What homeowners and potential buyers may not consider, however, is how landscaping may affect a home. From water intrusion to deck safety, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds homeowners and buyers about the importance of exterior inspections.

"The landscape always changes," said Frank Lesh, 2007 ASHI president. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 36% of recent home buyers made improvements to their landscaping shortly after moving in, another 20% plan to upgrade their landscaping within two years of buying a home.

"Every time you add a tree, shift soil or build an addition, you're changing the way water flows through your yard or adding a new hiding place for rodents or insects," added Lesh. That's why ASHI recommends paying careful attention to the landscape and regularly evaluating how changes - big or small - -may affect your home.

Inspecting Your Landscape

Whether you're selling, buying or interested in general maintenance, ASHI suggests taking a close look at the home's exterior. Below are five tips for inspecting your landscape:

1. Identify the placement of tree limbs -Identify overgrown tree limbs hanging over the chimney or flue. Blockages could affect the draft and create higher carbon monoxide levels within a home.

2. Look for problems underground - Sometimes roots will become visible, lifting or cracking a sidewalk or driveway, which could create a trip hazard. Home buyers and owners should also look for depressions in a yard, which could indicate a leaking sewer line, as a result of root interference, that may need to be checked.

3. Survey the grading - Drive around the block and take a good look at the property. Identify whether it's at the bottom of a hillside, at the top of one, or on flat land. Also look at the relationship to the surrounding yards and determine whether the neighbor's yard is higher. It's important that water is channeled away from a house rather than toward it to prevent basement leaks and damage to the exterior.

4. Determine foliage proximity - Watch for foliage that is close to the exterior of a house. It can provide shelter for insects and rodents and give them an excellent vantage point to enter a home. Also, take note of shrubs that are too close to the building as the wind may cause them to rub up against the house and wear down the siding.

5. Inspect your deck- While a deck isn't a living part of the landscape, it's still an important element to inspect. All residential decks should have a standard 36-inch railing and the balusters (vertical supports used between posts of a railing) should be no more than 4- inches apart (measured from the inside of the rails) to keep children and small pets from squeezing through or getting stuck - Also look for split or decaying wood and loose or corroded fasteners (nails, screws or anchors) that may compromise the deck's stability.

"It's best that homeowners evaluate their property every two years," added Lesh. "We also recommend that potential home buyers hire an inspector who evaluates the home's exterior as well as its interior - an ASHI requirement - before making a purchase."

For more information, visit www.ASHI.org.

Source: RisMedia

Aug. 8, 2007 - Home and property safety

Residential Burglaries

Burglary and theft from residential premises impose a significant cost upon the community. Most burglaries occur during daylight hours, when homes are often vacant. However, burglars can also strike at any time of the day, with some burglars even risking the possibility of confrontation when they commit the crime while residents are asleep. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your home is secure at all times.

Burglary can be Prevented

Research suggests many burglaries can be prevented, but crime prevention is the responsibility of the whole community not just the police. Many burglaries appear to occur when an offender discovers an open window or unlocked door, and takes the opportunity to enter a home and steal cash or other items of value. Making sure that your home and other buildings (e.g. garage/garden shed) are always secure is an effective way to reduce the likelihood that opportunistic burglars will see your home as an easy target.

It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money on home security. A number of strategies such as those that follow can be an effective deterrent to would-be burglars:

• When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows - even if you are just going out for a short time.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get out again. But don't leave the key near the door, or in an obvious place.
• Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.
• Consider motion-activated flood lights.
• Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed and limited security lighting can act as deterrents. But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbors, and that alarms have an auto turn off mechanism.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to them.
• Photograph and record serial numbers of all valuable property and retain in a safe place.
• Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your home particularly if you are going on a vacation.
• Don’ let mail or newspapers pile up in visible areas if you are gone for a few days. Stop the mail and paper or have a neighbor pick them up and hold them until you return.

Other considerations

If you come home and find a broken window or tampered entrance, there may be a burglar inside. It is most likely best not to go into the house. Instead, go to a neighbor’s house and call the police, or use your cell phone to call for help if you have it available.
Many people believe that once their homes have been burglarized they are unlikely to be burglarized again. Mostly likely this is the case. However, sometimes offenders may return and attempt to burgle the home again based on the following reasons:

• The burglars know there are additional items of value in a home and view it as an easy target because they cannot see any obvious improvements in the security of the home.
• The burglars may try and burgle a home again in 4-6 weeks because they think the goods previously stolen will have been replaced through insurance.
• The burglars may return because they now have a buyer for some particular item they saw on the first occasion.

For those reasons outlined above, it is strongly recommended that you address any security shortfalls that may leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.

Source: Crime Stoppers of Somerset County 

Jun. 19, 2007 - Summer Chimney Safety

A perfect time to check and clean

Now that summer is a only few days away, it is the perfect time to check and clean your chimney.  This is essential to your family's and home's safety.   Having a clean chimney is also on the checklist of competent home inspectors.

The Chimney Safety Institute recommends that if you light fires in your fireplace or woodstove three or more times a week during the heating season, proper maintenance would include cleaning and inspecting the chimney once a year. If you burn green wood, twice-a-year cleaning and inspection may be necessary.

* Educate yourself about your chimney. Organizations like CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association provide a wealth of information on their Web sites about chimney maintenance and safety.

* Network. Talk to friends and family members who also have fireplaces. Who do they use? Would they recommend the person to someone else?

* Web sites like Service Magic help homeowners connect with qualified contractors in their area. Since the contractors must pay the Web site to be included in their database, the service is more likely to attract qualified contractors. You'll be able to request a quote for your job, hear from potential service providers within hours (in most cases), and review the comments and opinions of other consumers who have hired the contractor.  

Source: ARA

May. 25, 2007 - Do it yourself mold testing

Some self-test kits are a waste of money

Last  month's storm and area flooding may leave some home owners with a lasting problem of mold.  You have reason to be concerned if there's a musty smell; or if you see something growing. To grow, mold needs moisture, oxygen and an organic surface. Common areas include sheetrock walls, wallpaper, carpeting and wood.

Some do-it-yourself mold test kits are a simple and inexpensive way to uncover a mold problem. But choose carefully, as others are a waste of your money, says mold specialist David C. Straus, a professor of microbiology at Texas Tech University. The simplest and most effective tests, he says, are those that rely on a piece of adhesive to transfer a mold sample to a Petri dish filled with a nourishing growth medium. After the mold grows, the user sends it to a lab where it is identified and evaluated. The lab also provides advice on removal. Cost is about $50. Tests that purport to capture mold from the air are not worth the money, Strauss says, because most homes have a significant amount of mold spores that fly in from the outdoors but don’t grow in the house.  Source: The Wall Street Journal, Laura Johannes (05/22/07) 

For more information, the Evironmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

Mar. 26, 2007 - Frugal Help for your garden

Vinegar Uses In Garden

Spring has finally arrived. Here's a great tip for using vinegar in your garden.  Thanks to FrugalGardening.com and theGardenHelper.com for this tidbit and other useful and cheap gardening tips.

1. Clay Pot Cleaning: Vinegar will remove the white salt buildup on old clay pots. Simply soak the affected areas in full strength.

2. Kill grass: Undiluted vinegar will kill grass between bricks and sidewalk cracks. Simply spray where needed.

3. Kill Weeds: Spraying full strength vinegar on weeds will kill them - be careful not to spray it on the surrounding grass as it will kill that too.

4. Deter Ants Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where ants are known to gather and the vinegar will keep them away.

5. Keep Cats Away: Vinegar will help keep cats away from areas you don't want them. Sprinkle vinegar on any areas where you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching.

6. Freshen Cut Flowers: Vinegar will help fresh cut flowers last longer. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.

Courtesy of Treva

Mar. 12, 2007 - Ground Water Awareness Week March 11-17

Give Your Well Water A Check-Up

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is sponsoring March 11 through 17 as “Ground Water Awareness Week.” The Somerset County Department of Health is taking this opportunity to remind residents with private wells that routine testing is crucial for your and your family’s safety and well-being.

According to data collected from the Private Well Testing Act, coliform bacteria and arsenic are the two most common contaminants of concern in Somerset County.  Beyond routine water testing, the Somerset County Health Department also recommends that well owners periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents. 

Residents should keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides and motor oil, far away from the well.  Also, be sure to maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels or livestock operations. 

The NGWA provides a homeowner inspection checklist and testing information on its Web site: www.wellowner.org  Residents also may call their municipal health department or the Somerset County Health Department any time with questions or concerns.

The county Health Department can be reached at (908) 231-7155 or healthdiv@co.somerset.nj.us  

Jan. 30, 2007 - Home Remodeling

 Tips to avoid over-investing in your home

As a follow-up to my posting "Ready, Set, Go" A Seller's Checklist, below are a few suggestions on how not to over-invest in your home.  If you plan to do a little sprucing-up with the aid of contractors, now would be an ideal time to schedule.  Waiting until spring, may put you at a disadvantage, as it is peak time for contractors and getting a call back could be difficult. With that said....Do you plan to spend several thousand dollars or more on home improvements this year?  Are you making improvements as a part of getting your house ready to sell? 

Theses are just two of several questions homeowners should consider before starting a big remodeling or home improvement project, whether they're selling soon or not. The tough part is that everyone's situation is different, there's no universal formula to determine how much is too much.

Here are some questions homeowners should ask themselves before getting into the grit and grim of remodeling:

Is the remodeling project to get your home ready to sell or improve your family's living space?  If it's to improve the living space for your family, and you're planning to stay in the house for several more years, it's probably worth spending a little to achieve what you want.

Are you planning to sell soon?  If you're planning to move within the next few months or year, big-dollar projects may not be a good idea. You stand less a chance of recouping your investment.

What is the typical resale price of homes in your neighborhood?  Return depends on what's typical for your neighborhood. With a little research, you can see what the average sale price is for homes in your area and determine what your "ceiling" is for investment.

What features do typical homes in your neighborhood offer?  If your home only has one bathroom, but all your neighbors have two, adding a second bath may be a good idea. 

How much can you afford to spend?  This again speaks to the personal nature of the decision, and is impacted by whether you're planning to sell or stay in the house. If you're planning to stay for a while, you may consider breaking the project into phases so you can spread the cost out over a few years.

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when it comes to your remodeling project:

• Because there are many variables that affect the housing market, you shouldn't expect to get a dollar-for-dollar return on a project. A $20,000 kitchen remodel doesn't necessarily mean you'll get $20,000 more for your home.
• Converting existing space into usable space, like an attic into a bedroom, finishing a basement or adding a deck, will bring a better return than adding actual square footage in the way of a new family room. The upfront costs aren't nearly as exorbitant.
• The amount of return is directly proportional to the grade of materials. When finishing a basement, for instance, wall-to-wall carpeting and drywall will bring a lot more than cheap paneling and a drop in ceiling.
• Kitchens and baths are a good area to focus on if you are going to be in your house at least five more years. These are the more costly remodeling projects, but you'll be living in the home long enough to enjoy the upgrades and are more likely to recoup the investment.
• Behind the scenes improvements that increase the house's integrity, such as a new roof, won't garner the kind of return that homeowners might expect. Buyers expect these things to be in good shape on a home.
• A common remodeling mistake is a pool. The majority of the market rejects this because of the maintenance requirements and safety issues for children. Exception: If your home is the only one on the block that doesn't have one, it could be a factor when it comes time to sell.
• Don't sink big dollars into extra landscaping. Simple is best. Add some mulch and brightly- colored flowers, don't drop several hundred dollars on brick pavers. Let the buyer do that.

Aug. 5, 2006 - Remodeling: Home Owners' Seven Deadly Sins

• Over expanding. Outdoing all the homes on the block is never a good idea because it makes the house more expensive than the others and therefore harder to sell.

• Making your home into something it’s not. Changing the style or the architecture is usually a big mistake.

• Changing the purpose of a room. Keep kitchens as kitchen and baths as baths. They were built that way for a reason.

• Under budgeting. People routinely under budget 20 or 30 percent fewer dollars and underestimate even more in guessing the time the job will take.

• Doing the job yourself. Unless you have first-rate skills, hire somebody who does.

• If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Don’t waste money on renovations that won’t pay off. Buyers won’t necessarily pay for what makes a seller happy. Siding, windows, kitchens and bathrooms are the home improvement winners, according to Remodeling magazine.

• Neglecting regular upkeep. They may seem boring, but cleaning the gutters, keeping the house painted and trimming the shrubs are the most valuable home improvements.