Setting aside a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” — Peter J. McGuire, General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners History hasn’t solved whether carpenter Peter McGuire or machinist Matthew Maguire is the rightful author of Labor Day as a holiday, but […]
🪚 All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity Read More »
Click here to read the intro to this series. Let’s dive into understanding your building envelope. Why it matters: Your home is a system consisting of 2 primary components. The building envelope + the mechanical systems (HVAC) 🥊 The bottom line: The tighter your building envelope, the more control you have over the conditions inside. ⛏️ Dig
🧧 Ready your envelope – Part 1 Read More »
City of Dallas will send a licensed irrigator to help evaluate and optimize your sprinkler system. Not in Dallas? See below. 👇 Why it matters: A properly tuned sprinkler system will save you money in water bills and in lost landscaping. While reducing water waste. 🔬 Zoom in: The most common fixable problems are 👉 Programming errors
💦 Free irrigation audit Read More »
At the time of this writing, the City of Dallas is still working to contain a ransomware attack it suffered Wednesday. Why it matters: Some city services temporarily shut down, including the courts and Dallas Water Utilities billing department. 🖼️ The big picture: Individuals are not likely to be targets of a sophisticated attack like this.
🥷 Ransomware attacks: What’s happening? Read More »
Your comfortable home is a magnet for things seeking comfort — bugs, rodents, etc. — and your friendly contractors have invited them in. 🖼️ The big picture: Any hole or gap in the outer shell of your home is a possible entrance for various critters. Many contractors are not thinking about this when they work on
👨🔧 👩🔧 Plumbers, electricians, rats & roaches 🐀 🪳 Read More »
Most roofers are cutting corners—sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. 🥊 Reality check: “People do what you inspect, not what you expect.” — Louis V. Gerstner Jr., Former IBM CEO A proper roof install is almost impossible for a homeowner to inspect. 👺 Behind the mask: Here’s the truth. Some states — like Texas — do not
🏚️ Why your roofer did it wrong Read More »
Smart lighting can mimic a sunrise to help you start your morning. 🖼️ The Big Picture: Our 24-hour internal body clocks respond to light. Both intensity (brightness) and temperature (warm to cool) impact the way we feel and function throughout the day. Warm light is best at the start and end of the day. That’s the
Use lighting to energize your day 🌞 Read More »
Termites, ants, rats, squirrels and other pests create problems in our homes. Causing structural damage and creating unsafe living spaces for you and your family. ⏰ Why it matters: Waiting until you see (or smell) pest problems costs you more money long term. Our friend Michael Bosco can help. Every evaluation starts with a conversation to
🚫 Keeping pests out Read More »
I set up a reminder for garbage day that already saved me! Why it matters: When the unexpected throws you off, routines and reminders can get you back on track. Using Alexa’s routines, you can set up reminders with multiple actions—helpful when we’ve gotten used to “ignoring” pop-up reminders on our phones and computers. At
🏆 Smart routines for the win Read More »
🏠Every structure with a roof will someday need a new roof. Why it matters: Failing to plan for a re-roof, can cost you money or quality or both. Architects, builders and remodelers often fail to design or install with re-roofing in mind. 🔎 Zooming In: Some poor designs we see when re-roofing: ❌ A pergola with beams
🚨Know your re-roof risks Read More »
