Home Exteriors

Hurricanes Katrina and Ike pointed out how fragile homes can be. With new construction or rebuilding after storm damage, build green, sustainable, and strong with ICFs.

Sep 8, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Lessons were learned during Hurricane Katrina. First, have a natural disaster evacuation plan. Second, protect the home. Securing windows is a primary consideration.

Aug 12, 2009 - Kelly Smith

The best concrete slab failure solution is prevention. When a home foundation cracks or sinks, damage spreads, cracking drywall, and shifting doors, windows, and roofs.

Jun 14, 2009 - Kelly Smith

A new entry door adds curb appeal, home value, and security against home invasions and break-ins when paired with deadbolts or other security devices.

May 26, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Rock retaining walls look great, add to home equity, and add curb appeal to residential landscaping, but installing one is hard work and may strain the home budget.

May 15, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Spring cleaning means airing out the house, window washing, waxing the floor, and cleaning the garage. But exterior house cleaning with a pressure washer is in order too.

Mar 13, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Green roofs are rooftops that are covered with soil and planted with ornamental or vegetable gardens. Most are on commercial real estate, but residential use is growing.

Feb 26, 2009 - Kelly Smith

The question used to be, "Metal roof or asphalt composition shingle roof?" Now, there are more shingle selections with qualities like impact, algae, and wind resistance.

Feb 18, 2009 - Kelly Smith

The springtime is prime for installing a driveway or a path through a garden or landscaping using clay-fired brick pavers. It adds curb appeal and raises home equity.

Feb 12, 2009 - Kelly Smith

A residential fence can perform many duties: to keep the guard dog from roaming, marking a property line, as part of a residential security system, or for privacy.

Feb 10, 2009 - Kelly Smith

All exterior woodwork, including window frames and sills is inspected annually, as part of a Spring home check-up, along with things like the central air conditioner.

Jan 16, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Landscaped gardens filled with seasonal color can be inspiring in the daytime, but they are stunning at night with exterior landscape lighting. Wiring is the first step.

Jan 3, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Windows can be enhanced from the interior with plantation shutters or on the exterior with decorative or storm shutters. Both add curb appeal and enhance home equity.

Dec 10, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Nothing says curb appeal like an inviting driveway or a winding walkway path. When it comes to dressing up these home equity factors, there are fashionable choices.

Dec 3, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Trex composite and wood decking may be installed with clips, deck screws or nails in several patterns. The most popular are plain, diagonal, or picture frame.

Nov 16, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Options for decking material include Trex, Ipe, Redwood, Mahogany, Teak and pressure treated lumber. The choice is determined by durability, price, and green building.

Nov 15, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Christmas follows close on the heels of Thanksgiving. One thing the holiday season brings is festive seasonal decorations. It's time to install outdoor Christmas lights!

Nov 10, 2008 - Kelly Smith

When the weather gets cold, installing an in-ground or above ground swimming pool heater allows continued recreational and lap swimming. Choose solar, gas, or heat pump.

Nov 3, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Do gutter guards eliminate the chore of cleaning? Or are "maintenance free" gutter covers salesman hype? To perform, they must keep debris from clogging the downspouts.

Aug 17, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Power attic vents are active; turbine (whirlybird) and ridge vents, passive. Temperature triggers power vent operation; air flow/negative pressure operate passive vents.

Aug 5, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Attic Ventilation is essential for exhausting hot air, to ease the load on the air conditioner, and to lower utility bills. This can be done with roof vents and fans.

Aug 3, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Blacktop driveways are not concrete driveways. Because of this, they endure the elements differently. At some point, the need arises for a blacktop repair job.

Aug 1, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Many people don't give their shingles their due. Is it time to shop for a licensed and bonded roof contractor? The only way to know is to do a regular, visual inspection.

Jul 25, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Some homeowners prefer to use a lawn care service to maintain the grounds of the suburban castle. Others choose to DIY. At the core of their arsenal is the lawn mower.

Jun 23, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Dry weather conditions and and seismic testing are two prime culprits that can lead to costly foundation repair. Avoid this problem by watering the concrete slab.

Jun 2, 2008 - Kelly Smith