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 From your bathroom to your attic?
When bathroom fans are installed during a renovation or retrofit, MAKE SURE they are vented to the outside. Why it matters: When fans vent into to the attic, moist air and water vapor drive up humidity levels. ๐ฅ Reality check: We just re-roofed a house that had 5 fans (4 bathroom, 1 laundry room) pumping […]
โป๏ธ๐ Purpose for old pill bottles
Thereโs a better option than the recycle bin for your empty pill bottles. Why it matters: Your donated pill bottles can be repurposed for people who donโt have access to these convenient containers. โ๏ธ How it works: Check out the process for preparing your bottles to donate. โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis
๐ย Stop lying about solar
Every week Iโm doing damage control with homeowners who are thinking about solar โ or who went solar and regret it. Why it matters: Solar works โ IF itโs right for your home and IF it fits your financial situation. ๐ฅ Reality check: Slick salespeople use 3 BIG lies to confuse people. Hereโs the truth: โ For […]
โฐย Time for some energy upgrades?
With the new energy-efficient tax credits, payback on a new AC could be faster than you think. Why it matters: Newer equipment can yield significant savings on energy cost. The following is not tax advice. Please consult a tax expert to see if you qualify. ๐ก What you need to know: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions […]
โ๏ธย Attic access is your weak link
If your attic access from inside your conditioned is not insulated, you could be losing a lot more than you think. Why it matters: Uninsulated attic stairs make your attic insulation 25-30% LESS effective. ๐งฎ By the numbers: Insulation effectiveness is expressed using R-value. โRโ stands for resistance to conductive heat. ๐ฅ One last thing: Unless sealed […]
๐ย ๐ย From your closet to a grateful teenager
Dallas Public Libraryโs Fairy Tale Closet is receiving your donations for the 10th year. Why it matters: Your gently used formal wear will look better on a smiling teen than in the back of your closet. ๐ Whatโs needed: ๐ Special request for plus-size menswear and womanโs formalwear ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: This event enhances a teenโs prom […]
๐ฅย 3-tab shingles: What you need to know
3-tab shingles DO NOT protect your home well โ> hereโs what they look like. Why it matters: The wind storm this week is a reminder of the risks with 3-tab shingles. ๐ Field shingles: This is the least expensive asphalt shingle and many brands only warranty it to 60mph winds. ๐ Hip & ridge shingles: To save […]
๐ถ ๐ฝ ๐คฆโโ๏ธย Pets + Carpet?
For all the obvious reasons, having carpet + pets (throw in teenagers too!) has itโs challenges. Why it matters: Hard surfaces are popular, but sometimes you crave the comfort of carpet. ๐ก โYou (and your pet) deserve flooring that lives up to all of lifeโs accidents.โ โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis ๐ฆ Pro Spotlight Mike […]
โ๏ธย After the storm
Do a walk around and make sure everything is okay. Why it matters: According to your homeownerโs insurance, timely mitigation is your responsibility. ๐ Should you file a claim? Unless you see significant damage, you donโt need to call your insurance company right away. โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis ๐ฆ Pro Spotlight SERVPRO of Park […]
๐คย 20-35% off this money saving device
A learning thermostat will heat and cool to your comfort level with maximum efficiency. Why it matters: Heating and cooling make up more than 50% of our energy costs. How it works: Enter your information through Oncorโs Retail Products Program. โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis