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, we’ll cover what matters to you: security, energy efficiency, maintenance, home improvement, finance and insurance.
🛁 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. 🥊 Reality check: We just re-roofed a house that had 5 fans (4 bathroom, 1 laundry room) pumping […]
♻️💊 Purpose for old pill bottles
There’s 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 don’t have access to these convenient containers. ⚙️ How it works: Check out the process for preparing your bottles to donate. ✅ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis
🛑 Stop lying about solar
Every week I’m doing damage control with homeowners who are thinking about solar — or who went solar and regret it. Why it matters: Solar works — IF it’s right for your home and IF it fits your financial situation. 🥊 Reality check: Slick salespeople use 3 BIG lies to confuse people. Here’s the truth: ✅ For […]
⏰ 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. 💡 What you need to know: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions […]
⛓️ 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. 🧮 By the numbers: Insulation effectiveness is expressed using R-value. “R” stands for resistance to conductive heat. 🥊 One last thing: Unless sealed […]
👗 👔 From your closet to a grateful teenager
Dallas Public Library’s 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. 📝 What’s needed: 👉 Special request for plus-size menswear and woman’s formalwear 🖼️ The big picture: This event enhances a teen’s prom […]
🥉 3-tab shingles: What you need to know
3-tab shingles DO NOT protect your home well —> here’s what they look like. Why it matters: The wind storm this week is a reminder of the risks with 3-tab shingles. 👉 Field shingles: This is the least expensive asphalt shingle and many brands only warranty it to 60mph winds. 👉 Hip & ridge shingles: To save […]
🐶 😽 🤦♀️ Pets + Carpet?
For all the obvious reasons, having carpet + pets (throw in teenagers too!) has it’s challenges. Why it matters: Hard surfaces are popular, but sometimes you crave the comfort of carpet. 💡 ”You (and your pet) deserve flooring that lives up to all of life’s accidents.” ✅ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis 🔦 Pro Spotlight Mike […]
⛈️ After the storm
Do a walk around and make sure everything is okay. Why it matters: According to your homeowner’s insurance, timely mitigation is your responsibility. 👉 Should you file a claim? Unless you see significant damage, you don’t need to call your insurance company right away. ✅ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis 🔦 Pro Spotlight SERVPRO of Park […]
🤑 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 Oncor’s Retail Products Program. ✅ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis