Jim and I talked for almost an hour as I was helping him understand what went wrong. For $165/month, Jim’s solar is producing $23.40 worth of electricity. 👀 Why it maters: People having issues with their solar don’t know where to turn. 💣 Reality check: Unregulated salespeople can use smoke and mirrors and deceptive numbers […]
☎️ Tales from the helpline: Solar nightmare Read More »
How would you answer this question: Why do we build? Read the intro to this series here. 🖼️ The big picture: Building has one primary objective: control. If we can control our buildings, we have created a predictable, conditioned space. 🔭 Zoom out: We’ve been doing this since the advent of fire and our ancestors’ days of
🏡🧪 Why Do We Build? Read More »
The latest offering from the Build Show Network is a free 10 unit course on building science. As I go through the course, I’ll include highlights in the Smart Homeowner Daily Email. Why it matters: If you’re ready for some truth, here it is: Building quality standards and expectations are pitifully low. I see it
🏡🧪 Why Build Science? Read More »
When my dishwasher mounting brackets broke, I decided to use the opportunity to address a bigger issue. Why it matters: Hidden areas behind appliances and cabinets can be a major a source of air leakage in a house. 🖼️ The big picture: I’ll show you how I dealt with this over the next few days, but
👻 The ghost behind the dishwasher Read More »
I appreciate all the attention you’re giving my home! That was a rewarding text to get last night from a client whose home is halfway through a project right now. Why it matters: When you hire someone to work on your home, baked into the price is a certain level of attentiveness and attention to
🎯 The center of attention Read More »
You don’t have to dive into the smart lighting world to improve your outdoor lighting. Why it matters: Sometimes “good” is “good enough.” 😉 The most important step is to clarify your priorities as you address the big 3 purposes for outdoor lighting: security, safety and beauty. 👉 For security Replace standard flood light bulbs with
💡 Let there be lights! Part 4 Read More »
Today’s focus is on the Philips Hue premium lighting system. Why it matters: If you’re willing to make the investment, Philips offers the largest eco system of lighting products with superb light quality and multiple options for easy automation. You can start small and grow your system over time. 🖼️ The big picture: Adding smart outdoor
💡 Let there be lights! Part 2 Read More »
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
🐈 Trav on a hot tin roof Read More »
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
🔭🔬 Zoom out, zoom in Read More »
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
🙏 Worthy of respect Read More »
