Smart Homeowners
Daily tips and resources to help you improve, care for and protect your home.
I will give you something every day so you can live smarter. With my team of experts, weโll cover what matters to you: security, energy efficiency, maintenance, home improvement, finance and insurance.
๐ย One last meal
A little bit of rain and a lot less heat and your lawn and landscaping have perked up a bit! Why it matters: The Farmerโs Almanac predicts our first frost in Dallas will be November 20. So thereโs still time for one last round of fertilizer. โ๏ธย How it works: Fall fertilizing leads to a stronger […]
๐ก๐งชย The Build Science Behind Comfort and Health
Building science gives us the insights and tools to create comfortable and healthy living environments. Why it matters: We should no longer accept โrules of thumbโ or the notion that โweโve always done it that wayโ when it comes to the places we live. ๐ฌย Zoom in: Our comfort and our health rely on integrated systems. […]
๐ถย A plea for the pups
If you or someone you know is ready to welcome a new dog into your life, now is a great time. Why it matters: The Dallas Animal Services shelter is at 161% capacity right now. Many breeds of large and small dogs are available today for adoption. Adoptions are free and include vaccinations, microchipping, plus […]
๐ฆย Shut it off!
If a pipe busts in your house, you should be able to shut your water off in less than 30 seconds. Why it matters: We know how destructive water can be and the less water you have to deal with the better. When water soaks into certain building materials โ like insulation or carpet pad […]
๐ชตย A couple hard years for trees
Hard freezes and extended drought conditions the past couple years have been hard on our Texas trees. Why it matters: You might need to act now to save your trees. ๐ย Here are some of Timโs tips: ๐ย Drought stress Many trees have entire limbs that have dried up. Removing the damaged limbs and applying treatment if […]
๐ก๐งชย The Build Science Behind Durability
โIf a building doesnโt last, it doesnโt matter.โ Why it matters: Designing and building homes that hold up to the challenges of Mother Nature IS the job of the architect and builder. ๐ฅย The bottom line: Water kills buildings. But using the right practices and materials can keep the water out. ๐ญย Zoom out: Have you ever […]
โย Keep out pests with physics
Physics then chemistry. This applies to many aspects of building science, but today Iโm focusing on pests. Why it matters: The next month is the ideal time to make sure your house is ready to resist the pests seeking refuge when it gets colder. โ๏ธย How it works: Using physics means we are using the right […]
๐ย Ding ding pow
If your car was damaged Sunday night in the hail storm, Iโve got good news for you. Why it matters: Getting your car repaired is easy, convenient and costs you nothing. โ๏ธย How it works: Paintless dent repair shops can offer a rental car and pickup & delivery of your car. For $0 out of pocket. […]
โ๏ธย Tales from the helpline: Solar nightmare
Jim and I talked for almost an hour as I was helping him understand what went wrong. For $165/month, Jimโs solar is producing $23.40 worth of electricity. ๐ Why it maters: People having issues with their solar donโt know where to turn. ๐ฃ Reality check: Unregulated salespeople can use smoke and mirrors and deceptive numbers […]
๐ก๐งชย Why Do We Build?
How would you answer this question: Why do we build? Read the intro to this series here. ๐ผ๏ธย The big picture: Building has one primary objective: control. If we can control our buildings, we have created a predictable, conditioned space. ๐ญย Zoom out: Weโve been doing this since the advent of fire and our ancestorsโ days of […]