Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Roof and Gutters
Clean your gutters and drain pipes of leaves and debris. Your drain pipes should be positioned so that any precipitation drains away from your house. Check your roof for any missing shingles or damage. You also need to check your ceilings indoors for any water damage or leaks around windows, vents and corners that are prone to leakage over time.

Heating System and Hot Water Heater
You should have your heating system serviced and all the filters changed every year. Draining your hot water heater and removing the sediment that has gathered at the bottom of the tank over the last year, will not only prolong the life of your water heater, but will ensure that it stays in top condition year round.

Siding and Paint
Do a slow walk around your home and look for any cracks or peeling in your house siding or paint. Replace any caulk that may be dried out and cracking. You can use a carpet knife as a simple effective tool to cut away old caulking from house siding. Slide the blade alongside it from both directions and then use the carpet knife to lift the old caulk intact.

Windows and Doors
Check all of your doors and windows for drafts. Replace any seals that seem worn or damaged. Those small cracks that get neglected can be the equivalent of leaving a window open year round, wasting energy and increasing the work of your heating and cooling systems.

Water Faucets

Check all faucets throughout your home for leaks. Repairing minor leaks prevents larger issues from happening and can lower your water bill. To fix leaky faucets, you may need to replace worn-out washers and gaskets. Disconnect your outside hoses to avoid costly water damage and frozen pipes.
If you need a pre-qualified contractor referral, contact
www.homesolutionsbiz.com 

Guide to Hardwood Flooring

As you plan your home improvements, think long-term by making choices that are informed and financially sound. The American Hardwood Information Center suggests hardwood flooring―one of the best long-term investments to be made. It is environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations.

Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is just that―a solid plank of hardwood milled into a piece of flooring, usually with a tongue and groove on the edges and ends, so that the pieces fit together on all sides. While it comes in a variety of thicknesses, 3/4-inch is the most common produced in the U.S. and is usually nailed to a wooden subfloor. Thinner profiles, such as 5/16 inch, can be glued directly on to a surface such as concrete. Widths typically range from 2 1/4-inch strip to 8-inch and wider plank. Favorite U.S. species are red and white oak, hard maple, ash, hickory and pecan, walnut and cherry. All solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished, however special care must be taken with the thinner profiles.

Two Types of Solid Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished solid hardwood flooring comes directly from the mill and is sanded and finished onsite. Most often used in new home construction, the rough sanding occurs during the early stages of the building process with the final coating being done just prior to move-in. Today's numerous dust containment sanding systems however, allow homeowners to enjoy the beauty of site finished, custom hardwood flooring practically anytime.

Prefinished solid hardwood floors have already gone through a multiple stage finishing process before leaving the factory. They are ready to be enjoyed. This type of flooring usually comes with a substantial factory warranty, and species choices and color ranges are virtually endless.

Engineered or Multi-layer Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is typically made from seven to 10 layers of thin veneers or sheets, glued together to form a type of plywood, then finished with a solid hardwood wear layer. It can be installed directly over concrete and most other types of subfloors. The advantage of engineered hardwood flooring is that it will not react to moisture changes and is more stable than solid hardwood flooring. Because of this stability, engineered is recommended over solid in wide plank applications. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, an engineered floor will perform in much the same way same as a solid floor.

Hand-scraped Hardwood Flooring
With this type of flooring―available in solid or engineered, unfinished or prefinished―the manufacturer hand scrapes each piece of flooring to mimic the look of an old, worn floor. This look is most popular in wide planks for that "old world" charm. But a word of caution―to refinish these floors, all the detail will be removed in sanding.

Care and Maintenance
Care and maintenance of hardwood flooring is easy; often just a matter of common sense. Follow these simple guidelines and your floors will last a lifetime, providing the warmth and feel only real hardwood can offer.

• Water is a hardwood floor's worst enemy. Clean up spills immediately. Do not use a damp mop or oil-based soap. Always check with the flooring manufacturer for recommended cleaning products.
• Sweep hardwood floors regularly. Dirt and dust can grind into the finish. Consider doormats at every entrance―rugs in high traffic areas.
• Sunlight can be harmful and can drastically change the color of the wood. Consider sheer drapes, curtains or blinds to limit direct sunlight.
• Shoes can also cause damage. High heels can dent. Small stones can scratch. Consider leaving shoes and the grit of the outside world at the door.

This important information about hardwood flooring options, installation, care and maintenance is courtesy of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) www.ahec.org and the American Hardwood Information Center. For more information about American hardwoods visit www.HardwoodInfo.com, a service of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association.

Sales Tax Holiday and Tax Credit

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday this Weekend

Virginia is conducting a sales tax holiday this Columbus Day Weekend (October 8-11) on Energy Star and WaterSense Qualified Products.

To qualify, each item purchased must cost $2,500 or less and be for personal, noncommercial use.  Qualifying Energy Star products include air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans, washing machines, programmable thermostats, and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Qualifying WaterSense products include bathroom sink faucets, faucet accessories, toilets, showerheads and urinals.

Don’t forget about the Federal Residential Property Credit also available!

Homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes in 2009 and 2010 may qualify for a $1,500 credit on their federal tax return.  Not all Energy Star products qualify for the tax incentive and not all products in the Virginia Sales Tax Holiday program qualify either.  However, you can check out a comprehensive list of eligible improvements (like insulation, energy efficient exterior windows and energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems) at the U.S, Department of Energy’s Energy Star Web Site, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index                          

End of Summer Home Maintenance

August is a transitional month. Summer is winding down, and preparations have begun for the school year. Now is a great time to examine your home and take steps to get ready for colder weather. 

Check your hot water heater and the surrounding areas for leaks, rust, or corrosion. Check lines and connections. Look underneath the tank with a flashlight. If you see water or signs of moisture, replace the tank

Check the exterior of your home for problems that should be repaired before winter. Make sure the outside walls of your home are free of debris. Lumber, ladders, or toys stacked against the house can attract spiders, mice, and insects. As colder weather arrives, these pests have incentive to enter the warmth of your house

Your lawn will need attention too to get ready for winter.  

Call Home Solutions for referrals to the best pre-qualified contractors  www.homesolutionsbiz.com

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Here are some tips for making mowing easier and keeping your grass looking great all summer long.

Be sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, making it more prone to disease. Sharpen your blades several times during the summer.

Mow slowly. Zipping around the yard with the mower leaves a wavy, uneven lawn in your wake, and often you miss bits of grass. Slow and steady wins the lawn care race.

Mow in a different direction every mowing.
This keeps your lawn nice and even.

Water the lawn during the driest part of summer to keep the lawn green and attractive. Once a week, run your sprinklers for an hour or two in each area. The best time to water is in early morning. The worst time to water is at night.

Cut back on fertilizing in spring and summer. Nitrogen fertilizer is great for greening up the lawn, but too much causes yellowing, overly rampant growth, and diseases. Always follow label directions.

10 Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Leave yourself time to go out and play in the sunshine by getting these things done now:

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor through "Home Solutions Network "clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.

Home Solutions Network: Home Insulation, Stink Bugs and Tax Credits !!!

Home Solutions Network: Home Insulation, Stink Bugs and Tax Credits !!!

Home Insulation, Stink Bugs and Tax Credits !!!

There is a new product in the market that is very interesting if you are wanting to improve the Insulation in your home.   TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pesticide) Insulation is installed in attics. This is an energy star product that qualifies for the Federal energy tax credit. It is impregnated with a borate, which is considered a green pesticide. The R- value per inch exceeds fiberglass ans cotton insulations. The TAP company advertises about 30% energy savings. It has been a great tool in our fight against Stink bugs, as the attic is one of their favorite nesting areas.

Installers for this product must be certified and we have them in our network.  Contact www.HomeSolutionsBiz.com

Home Renovations that Pay

The Smartest home Renovations are the least Visible:  Homeowners are spending more than they did last year on renovations. But trophies of the housing boom—granite countertops, bamboo floors—have been supplanted by utilitarian improvements such as insulation....... 

read article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704896104575139771751124074.html?KEYWORDS=home+renovations

Invest in Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling to Sell Your Home

Maybe it seems counter-intuitive to invest in remodeling your home just before you put it up for sale, but wise remodeling choices offer a great return on investment.

Kitchens and bathrooms are two critical areas that impact how prospective buyers view your entire home. Out-of-date kitchens and bathrooms can literally scare off prospective buyers. But modern kitchens and updated bathrooms increase the appeal of a home, and such remodeling investments quickly pay for themselves.

Kitchen Considerations
For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and people often use their hearts to make a buying decision. A dark, outdated kitchen will cast a shadow over the rest of your house. Assess your kitchen’s condition with a critical eye. Does it need a complete remodel or will simple improvements, such as updating cabinet hardware and adding a fresh coat of paint be sufficient?
Bathroom Considerations
Modern buyers are looking for spacious bathrooms that have an attractive, functional layout. Before you bring a potential buyer in to tour your home, update the fixtures and take care of stained tubs, chipped tiles, outdated vanities, and cluttered surfaces.

If you are considering updating your kitchen or bathroom, contact a good local Contractor Referral Service to be connected with Licensed, pre-screened professionals like "Home Solutions Network"  www.HomeSolutionsBiz.com 

Go Green! Three Energy Saving Home Improvement Resolutions For 2010

Home Improvement Resolution #1

Investigate ways to make your home more energy efficient.  Many home improvement projects can pay dividends and save energy. For example, in 2010, U.S. tax credits abound for energy-efficient upgrades like windows, doors, insulation, water heaters, roofing and certain appliances. 

Home Improvement Resolution #2

Check old paint for lead.  Home built decades ago? American homes built before 1978 may include paint containing lead. Lead poisoning can pose a health threat, especially to young children. Contact your local health department for advice on lead paint removal or visit www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm.

Home Improvement Resolution #3

Install a programmable thermostat.  Did you know that old thermostats are the westest links in conserving energy?  The Entergy Information Administration estimates that fewer than 20% of U.S Homes are equipped with a programmable thermostat. You can receive one to three months of free heating or cooling by just having a programmable thermostat installed.

Identifying Roof Leaks

he first sign of a roof leak is often wet ceiling tiles. In this case, the source of the leak can be found by tracing the leak backwards to its source on the roof, keeping in mind that the source of the leak may be some distance away from where it is dripping into the home. There are a number of common places for roofs to leak, including: 

✓ Valleys or low spots in the roof
✓ Skylights or chimneys
✓ Plumbing vent flashings
✓ Wall step flashings
✓ Furnace or B-vent flashings
✓ Missing shingles
  If the leak is running along the wall, it may be necessary to remove the top tiling to get to the source of the leak. Even so, some leaks may originate further up on the roof, making the source somewhat difficult to find. If the source of the leak turns out to be as simple as a missing block of shingles due to a recent windstorm, the solution may be as simple as replacing those missing shingles. If the cause is more complex, it may be necessary to consult a roofing professional to check the roof. Even if you have to pay for professional help, it is important to repair a leaking roof right away; otherwise you will have even greater home repair expenses from water and moisture damages.

Storm damage?

Our clients are reporting a lot of storm damage due to the recent snow and high winds. If you need repairs to gutters, siding or roofing, contact "Home Solutions Network" for reliable licensed contractors. If you live in the metro DC area and VA go to www.HomeSolutionsbiz.com
Beware of unlicensed scammers knocking on your door.....call us.

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Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold-

Prepare your home and family:

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts). And make sure your outside hoses are disconnected from the faucet or hose bib.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• Hire a "Green" Certified Contractor  to do an energy audit and check for areas of heat loss

Take Care of Your Home if Going on aTrip

When away from the house for an extended period during the winter, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.

A solution is to drain the water system. This is the best safeguard. With no water in the pipes, there is no freezing. This remedy should be considered even when the homeowner is not leaving but is concerned about a serious overnight freeze.

To drain the system, shut off the main valve and turn on every water fixture (both hot and cold lines) until water stops running. It's not necessary to leave the fixtures open, since the system is filled mostly with air at that point and not subject to freezing. When returning to the house, turn on the main valve and let each fixture run until the pipes are full again.

Home Upgrades that Get the Best Return

Upgrades That Get The Best Return

Planning on upgrading your home this year? Adding living space and making your home more energy-efficient offer the best return on your investment. For more information about which home improvement projects offer the “best bang for the buck”, check out the Cost vs. Value Report from Hanley Wood/Remodeling.

Below are a few of the highlights:

Best Investments of 2009

Steel Entry Door Replacement 129.9%

Siding Replacement 83.6%

Deck Addition (Wood) 80.6%

Minor Kitchen Remodel 78.3%

Window Replacement (Wood) 77.3%

Eco-friendly Flooring

Eco-friendly Flooring

If you’re interested in updating the floors in your home, check out these ways to go green – and make an investment that pays off.

Bamboo flooring is contemporary, durable and comes in a variety of finishes. Bamboo is actually a member of the grass family and grows like a weed. Talk about a renewable resource!

Cork and eucalyptus flooring have similar eco-friendly qualities. You could also choose reclaimed wood from rivers and lakes – particularly desirable if you have a historic home.

Want wood? We can direct you to competent, caring contractors who can help you select flooring, structural lumber, cabinets and furnishings certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. These products are made from woods that are responsibly managed, harvested and manufactured.

Adding or Remodelling a Bath

It’s still true – adding or remodeling a bathroom is one of the most prevalent – and profitable – home improvements, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Bathroom upgrades still pay off, even in the present tightening economy, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2008-2009 "Cost vs. Value" report. The magazine estimates that a mid-range bathroom remodeling will recoup nearly 75 percent of its cost, and adding a new bathroom recoups nearly 65 percent of its costs.

Still afraid you will drown in a sea of escalating costs? Fear not and plan well -- with the help of our prescreened professionals. Let us point you to a contractor you can trust to help you keep costs down and quality high as you remodel your bath.

Repaint Your Front Door

Nothing freshens a home more readily than a freshly painted front door. But before you grab a can of your current favorite color, take into account where you live. Strive to make your door fit with its surroundings. Specifically, consider:

• Shutter color: To keep them from clashing, choose the same color family just go a shade or two lighter or darker.

• Garage door color: Usually, the garage door takes up a sizable amount of surface area. So make sure the front door complements it. (Some people choose to introduce the door color as an accent in the garage door.)

• Color and materials of your home: The color of the brick, stucco, vinyl or wood must blend in with or contrast sharply with your door. Classic example? White house, black shutters and red door. Pop!

Remember, the front door sets the stage for your entire home. Professional home painters can not only help you choose a color, they can get the job done quickly and cleanly.

Adding Insulation

Adding insulation to your attic could save you 20 to 30 percent on your monthly heating and cooling bills. If you are not sure how much insulation you have, we can direct you to a pre-screened professional who can evaluate your situation for free and let you know the degree of difference you can make.

What People Are Saying About Home Solutions Network

"We used Home Solutions to find a contractor to remodel our kitchen. The contractors referred were top notch and were competitively priced. The one we chose did a fantastic job, and exceeded our expectations. Using Home Solutions made it so much easier for us as everyone they use has been pre-screened. We couldn't be happier!" 

Donna S.- South Riding, VA

Installing Energy Efficient Windows

Installing energy-efficient windows in your new home or as replacement windows in your older home is just plain smart. In fact, choosing the right kind of window for your climate will have a tremendous effect on how much heat your home retains.

For example, installing thermopane windows in your home can increase your home’s energy efficiency up to 70 percent.

Not only do you need to choose with care, you also need to have them installed properly so that they will provide you with the energy savings you need. Heat can easily come in – or go out – around the sill, head or jambs that surround the window's casing.

Contact us for reliable contractors to do the job quickly and correctly.

Winter Checklist

• Winterize your home
  
• Buff up your bathroom
  
• Take care of your yard -- really
  
• Replace or reface kitchen cabinets
  
• Grow your garage: build in more storage
  
• Plumbing– protect your pipes
  
• Attic insulation: Be safe and warm
  
• Clear your gutters and downspouts
  
• Professionally clean – or replace -- your carpet

Winter Yard Renovation?

Winter is actually the ideal time to renovate the lawn and eliminate the brown spots and crab grass left over from last summer. We can help you locate qualified landscapers to reseed and fertilize your lawn – and take advantage of the fact that in winter; there is usually enough water to germinate seeds without watering.

At the end of February, just before the weather warms, you’ll want to have your lawn sprayed with a pre-emergent to kill the crabgrass before it sprouts. Because it is a hazardous chemical, it’s important to hire a licensed professional will care for your lawn properly and safely.

And, if you’re interested in planting bare-root trees and roses before spring, now is the time to get the best prices. But, contact a landscape contractor first who can help you develop a plan to update, redesigne or totally renovate your yard.

Buff Up Your Bathrooms

Transforming your bathroom into a personal retreat where you can relax and indulge doesn’t have to be expensive. Below are a few tips on how to spruce up your bathroom without taking on a complete remodel:

• Replace faucets, install a new tubs, showers or sinks based on your existing bathroom design 
• Add storage: Manufacturers are creating storage cabinets, shelving, furniture and other creative options as individual pieces or part of their bathroom collections that you can add to your master or guest bathroom. 
• Accessorize: Consider having the bathroom painted, adding decorative molding or other structural details. Cosmetic changes, professionally done, can turn any bath into a spa-like enclave.

Cold Weather? Winterize Your Home

Winterize Your Home

Not only does winterizing your home help prevent large repairs in the future, but it can also help save in heating costs. At Home Solutions, we can help you find prescreened professionals to:

• Seal leaks around doors and windows which can cut your heating bills up to 10 % and keep water from getting into your house. 
• Seal leaks around entry points for your pipes and ducts that go through an exterior wall and add insulation behind electrical plugs that are on a wall with an exterior side which can save you another 1-3% on heating costs. 
• Check and/or upgrade your home’s insulation which can cut heating costs up to 25%.

Competent contractors can also:

• Install a programmable thermostat 
• Install or check your carbon monoxide detector 
• Change your furnace filter 
• Turn off and drain garden hose spigots 
• Trim trees and shrubs away from house 
• Keep your gutter and downspouts ice-free

Let us help you stay warm – and safe – for less this winter. Call us!

Improving a Basement

If you have been thinking about making the most of unused space in your basement, you may be missing an opportunity to take advantage of low-cost square footage that may work great as comfortable living space. Many basements have already been "roughed in" as far as plumbing and utilities which make the process of building it out even easier. And, many are large enough to afford space for several rooms. If you have had moisture in the basement, you may need to have a pre-qualified water proofing company inspect it first. If your home has a dry basement with a ceiling that is at least 7 feet high, the chances are good that you can convert the area into living space. Quiet and distinctly separate from a home's main living areas, basements are often ideal for recreation rooms, workout areas, home offices, and in-law living quarters. Basements also offer a great return on investment for resale. 
Contact "Home Solutions Network" for more information and to get connected to the best licensed contractors.  
www.HomeSolutionsBiz.com  

Tax Credits

Did you know there are federal tax credits available for you to use in 2010 for certain types of home improvements?

Get a 30% tax credit up to $1,500. Let us explain how. Please visit the website at the top of our blog.

Come see us at the Capital Home and Garden Show

When: February 25th thru February 28th, 2010
Where: Dulles Expo Center - Chantilly, Va

This show offers homeowners a convenient place to shop, get hundreds of ideas, and gain expert advice for any home or garden related product or service. This is one of the Capital area's largest shows of the year. We've exhibited since 2007.

Again this year, we'll be exhibiting in the North Hall, please stop by to find out how Home Solutions can connect you with the right contractor and take the hassle out of home improvement.