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.
๐ฑ I made my mother pay it!
I re-roofed my parentsโ house in 2019. Why it matters: I still get the question every storm season. Reality check: Actually, you WANT TO pay it. (insert Jedi mind trick meme here ๐ค) โ๏ธ How it works: Replacement cost = Your deductible + Insurance proceeds. ๐ Is cutting corners on your roof ๐ Is running a shady ****business […]
๐ชคย The insurance process โ Part 4
(Links to this series below) Beware the booby trap! Why it matters: When I help homeowners who have this on their policy, they always say to me, โI didnโt know.โ ๐คทโโ๏ธ What is it? ๐ฌ Reality check: Hereโs the real gut punch of this endorsement. ๐ฅ The bottom line: You need a great insurance agent who will […]
๐ย No more slippery stairs
A custom carpet runner can make your stairs safer for kids, people with mobility challenges and aging pets. Why it matters: A quarter million people go the ER every year in the U.S. due to stair-related injuries. ๐ฅ Reality check: We often address issues like this AFTER something bad happens. โ๏ธ How it works: This is […]
๐ถย PSA for your pups
A message for my fellow dog owners today. Itโs tick season, so make sure your dog is current on tick preventives. Why it matters: Ticks can cause a variety of diseases in dogs. ๐ฌ Zoom in: Do regular tick checks on your dogs after hikes, visits to dog parks and outside playtime. ๐ Use a pair of […]
๐งชย SixClasses: Whatโs in your stuff?
SixClasses.org is working to reduce harmful chemicals used in consumer and other products. Why it matters: Many of the products we encounter every day contain chemicals known to harm human health. ๐ฅ The bottom line: No one is looking out for you and your loved ones. ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: Become familiar with the Six Classes: โ For […]
๐ช๐ณย Hands up! Donโt Cut!
Arborist Tim Waswick has an important message to help you protect your trees. March-July is NOT a good time to trim oaks of any kind. Why it matters: Trimming an oak during this time leaves it vulnerable to attacks from beetles (since the tree is sappy) and can run risk of oak wilt. ๐ฅ The bottom […]
๐กย For a comfortable & healthy home
Your house is a system that should provide comfort and health for you and the people you love. Why it matters: Our ability to adapt to a variety of conditions โ often harsh conditions โ is a key to our survival. ๐ฅ The bottom line: If the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in your home is NOT […]
๐ย Cleaning out the dryer vent โฆ for Motherโs Day!
My wife smelled an awful sulfur-like smell recently when a load of clothes was in the dryer. Why it matters: An overheating dryer is no joke โ it can lead to an electrical fire! ๐ฅ The bottom line: Clean your lint trap after every load AND clean your dryer duct work as often as needed. ๐ Skip […]
๐ขย Yes, you need gutters
Controlling the flow of water around your house is critical. Why it matters: โIf it canโt dry, itโs gonna die.โ ๐โโ๏ธ But what about making sure my foundation doesnโt crack during dry seasons? ๐ฅ The bottom line: A well designed gutter and drainage system moves water where it needs to go. โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, […]
๐จย Why you might replace that HVAC now
Huge savings are available for air-source heat pumps when you combine federal tax credits and local rebates. Why it matters: Rebates from Oncor are available now and as long as the fund still has money. ๐โโ๏ธ Excuse me โฆ whatโs a heat pump? ๐ค Hereโs a deeper dive for my fellows nerds. ๐ฅ The bottom line: Installing the […]