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.
📛 Wildfire ready homes
In light of the latest round of devastating wildfires, it’s worth taking some time to look at our own risks. Why it matters: Even in cities without a history of wildfires, intense heat waves can make our homes more susceptible to fire. 🖼️ The big picture: IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) conducts ongoing […]
🚇 Mind the gap
If you’ve been on the London Tube, you know “mind the gap” is a warning to watch your step when you get on the train. It should be the mantra for every contractor making any kind of hole in the building envelope. Why it matters: After running plumbing or wiring through your walls or ceilings, […]
🪣 There’s a hole in my bucket
Let’s talk about our electricity bills using a water analogy. Everyone with a swimming pool is experiencing this right now! During the hottest months, you have to add water to your pool—maybe every day. 🥊 Reality check: You need to know if you have a LEAK or if you’re just losing water by evaporation. If […]
🐈 Trav on a hot tin roof
I’ll admit that I thought about it for a few minutes before making a smart decision. While inspecting a property yesterday afternoon when it was 109 outside, I opted to NOT get on the roof and do that part of my inspection early Saturday morning. Why it matters: I used my laser thermometer to see […]
🪄 Francisco does magic
When I asked Francisco how he repaired the leather seat in my wife’s car, here’s how he explained it: I use this material, heat it with this, use this aluminum block … and add “a little magic.” 😉 Why it matters: If you have leather seats that are damaged or cracking, a repair can make […]
🔔 Google alerts for you
One of the best ways to stay in-the-know on topics that matter to you is by using Google alerts. Why it matters: The more the content we see online is controlled by algorithms, the less control we have. 🔬 Zoom in: One thing I’m interested in is my home lighting system which is based on the […]
☀️🛌 Bedroom al fresco?
Christy has been frustrated by the increase in her electric bills since her home was remodeled. Why it matters: Some of the improvements we make to our homes can create other problems. ⚙️ How it works: Every hole or penetration in our structure must be air sealed, or it will increase our connection to the outside. […]
🤓🏡 Smart Homeowner-HOMR crossover
It’s not quite as epic as The Jetsons Meet the Flinstones or That’s So Suite Life of Hannah Montana. But my crossover blog is live at HOMR today. 😁 Why it matters: As both a client and a vendor partner for HOMR, I want you to know about their excellent service. ⚙️ How it works: HOMR […]
🔭🔬 Zoom out, zoom in
Zooming out and then zooming in is a decision making technique Chip and Dan Heath teach in their excellent book, Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work. Why it matters: When it comes to decisions regarding your home, it’s too easy to go on auto-pilot. 🔎 Between the lines: Jess and Chris […]
🙏 Worthy of respect
From schlepping ice and Gatorade to serving pizzas, Bob and Elise made my guys feel appreciated and valued as they were roofing in 100 degree + weather. It was a re-roof and redeck for 8,500 square feet of roof — so it took 4 days! Why it matters: It’s easy for homeowners and neighbors to […]