Evict that home energy hog for good (NewsUSA) – In 1980, kitchen appliances accounted for nearly 44 percent of an average annual home’s energy consumption. With innovations in cooking, cleaning and preservation appliances, that figure is just above 10 percent today — and still dropping — much to the delight of consumers seeking green options […]

Don’t wait until the big freeze to take an energy inventory Whether we’d like to admit it or not, the harsh, cold days of winter are just around the corner. So before you hunker down anxiously watching your oil tank levels fall, check your home’s energy efficiency. Not only will a professional home energy audit […]

Homeowners are unaware and not taking advantage of tax credit for energy efficient home improvements Half way through 2009, ConstructionDeal.com surveyed approximately 5,000 project owners, primarily homeowners and discovered that nearly 40% were not planning on taking advantage of the $1,500 Tax Credit for energy efficient home improvements. 25% were completely unaware of this tax […]

Local help: Learn lead levels in your home Why is lead poisoning a problem in Maine? ? Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead paint. This means that over 60% of Maine homes may contain lead paint. ? Homes built before the mid-1950s may have paint that is mostly lead. ? Home renovations […]

For gorgeous grass next season, start with soil, end with seed Summer is winding down and soon it will be time to drain the gas from the lawn mower and safely store the string trimmer. You may feel like summer yard work is done for another year. But don’t turn your back on your lawn […]

Revived: Limestone floor By Tresa Erickson Love your old limestone floor, but thinking it might be time to replace it? Is it starting to look old, dull and flat from years of use? Well, before you rip it out, why not try to restore its luster. In order to restore your limestone floor, you will […]

Refresh those shutters By Tresa Erickson Live in an older home with metal shutters that have seen better days? Want to replace the shutters but not sure you can find new ones in the same size? Before you go to all of the expense of having custom shutters made, why not remove the shutters and […]

New roof needed By Tresa Erickson When you bought your home some years ago, you gave little thought to the roof. It was in good condition, which the inspector confirmed, and that was the last time you gave it any thought until now. Time has taken its toll on your roof, and leaks have started […]

Nearly invisible: Repairing a vinyl floor By Tresa Erickson It wasn’t that long ago that you installed new vinyl flooring in your kitchen. Unfortunately, you came home one day to find a small rip in it. The felt pads on the bottom of one of the table legs fell off and the metal foot caught […]

Little house, big perks By Tresa Erickson You’ve always lived in a small home and loved it. With far less house and yard to care for, you’ve had more time to devote to other interests. Now that you’re adding to your family, however, you’re not sure if you can continue to enjoy the perks of […]