We replaced the gutters on our home less than two years ago when we had the roof replaced. Good thing too: the gutters were in bad shape, leaking in several places and starting to pull away from the home. By replacing several backboards (fascia) holding the gutters in place as well, we’ve nipped our home drainage problems in the bud.

Recently, a branch from a nearby tree fell, hitting the front gutter with a glancing blow. Initially, the damage wasn’t apparent, but as time passed by we can now see that the gutter is bent and pulling ever so slightly away from the house. With the last storm we noticed that rainwater isn’t draining properly, meaning it is time for me to get back up on a ladder to make a repair.

While elevated, I’ll be looking for the following to make sure that everything is in order:

Clean out gutters — I schedule two full gutter clean outs each year — once in the Spring and once in the Fall. But, because I live in an area that has lots of trees, I’ll put up the ladder at various times of the year to do a quick inspection, making sure that my gutters and downspouts are clear especially before tackling a repair project.

Examine fascia — If any part of gutter is separating from the fascia, then I’ll replace bent or broken gutter hangars as necessary. Usually, all that means is one hook needs to be replaced which should take care of the problem at once.

Check seams and joiners — Because modern gutter systems contain ten foot long sections, I’ll have fewer seams and gutter joiners to deal with. Still, I will make sure that the seams are sealed and that the joiners are doing their job.

Verifying gutter pitch — If water doesn’t drain out of the gutters properly after I make my repairs, then I’ll attribute that problem to the gutter’s pitch. In that case, I’ll bring in a professional to verify my findings and make the adjustment for me. Sometimes it pays to have a trained professional handle the problem, especially if you don’t have all of the equipment needed to make repairs or if you hate to climb a ladder.

Gutter shields — Leaf strainers are popular, but I don’t use them. My experience with them is that they still have to be removed seasonally and the gutters cleaned out thanks to pine needles and pollen which always seem to find their way in. Still, they can be a good idea to have in place if you find yourself needing to check the gutters monthly.

Once my gutters are back to snuff, then I know that they’ll do the job they’re supposed to do. Until then, I won’t rest until I’m confident that the repair is done, not giving much thought to my gutters and downspouts until after the autumn leaves have finished falling.

Adv. – Warmer weather is here so now is the perfect time to dress up your deck or patio with the latest in outdoors furniture. Make your backyard BBQ the center of your weekend entertainment by choosing a grill that is right for you. After the guests have left, treat yourself to a hammock to gain some rest. Redwood furniture looks nice and lasts for ages; choose other outdoor furniture as desired.

Do you need to hire a plumber? Make sure that he has a plumbers license, worker's compensation insurance and has been referred by someone you trust.

A few years ago our family moved to a new area of the country, far from the familiar roots of our New Jersey neighborhood. Within the first month we realized that one of the outside gardening spigots was sealed and, in order to get water running again, we would need the services of a plumber.

When you’re living in familiar territory finding a handyman is a snap: you call upon people you know, likely folks you grew up with, see regularly at church, or at your kid’s activities, etc.. In a new area you don’t have that  kind of familiarity with people, but should you let your fingers do the walking through the Yellow Pages to find your service person? That’s one option, but I prefer to get a referral from someone who has used their work in the past.

To find a trustworthy plumber consider asking a neighbor for a referral. Personally, I’ve found that the people who live in a neighborhood the longest have a ready list of plumbers, electricians, and other service people at the ready. But, I’ve also learned to stay in contact with our real estate agent who is one of the best connected people in our town.

I insist on using only those plumbers who have a state plumbers license and, if the work that they will be doing on the home is extensive, I ask for proof of workman’s compensation insurance. Most plumbers have their state identification number posted prominently on the side of their trucks, but I prefer to see a copy of the actual license.

Rates vary with plumbers, but not all that much. However, if you call a plumber on the weekends or at night, expect to have to pay double or more for an emergency. Try to get a flat rate for their work instead of being billed by the hour too.

Most plumbers insist on working with the parts that they choose. That Moen faucet you found at The Home Depot may be what you want and you were able to get it for a good price, but plumbers usually will only warrant their work if they purchase the part themselves. Besides, plumbers get professional discounts which can usually beat your best deal at the home improvement store.

Finally, before the plumber leaves your home, inspect their work. Look for leaks, make sure that valves turn on and off with ease, and that their work area was left broom clean. If a problem arises and you didn’t check the plumber’s work before they left your home, they may not be liable for damages.

If you cannot get a referral from a neighbor or real estate agent, call your local Better Business Bureau  and ask them for the names of several plumbers in your area. The larger the job, the more bids you should get (I recommend three) giving you a better chance of finding a plumber who will do the work satisfactorily and at a price you can afford.

Adv. – How about a card you need that fits your financial objectives? Whether you are a savvy consumer or first-time user, there is a credit card that will meet your buying-power needs. Please visit nBuy.com to conduct your smart credit card search.

I was having a discussion with a friend last week when our conversation turned to the housing market. Bleak news upon bleak news for some people, but not for my friend.

Instead, he has been eagerly scouring the area for foreclosed homes and is of the mind to buy one or two at deeply discounted prices, fix them up, and selling each at a substantial profit. Though the local housing market isn’t as strong as it was just a year ago, people are in the market for a nicely kept ranch or colonial that costs less than $250,000, a price that is common in our area of the country.

On the surface, such an idea seems interesting especially since my friend knows how to fix just about anything and has an eye that can assess what it will take to get a home market ready. What our conversation also revealed was some inexperience in locating foreclosed homes and the best process to snag one at a price that was sensible.

Though I am no expert in the buying and selling of foreclosed homes, I have found some resources and tips to streamline the process, information I have forwarded to my friend and am willing to share with you as well:

Search Online — Several websites provide information about real estate owned (REO) properties, bank-owned foreclosures available where you live. Redfin.com, RealtyTrac.com and Foreclosures.com each feature listings of homes banks would rather not own. As the saying goes, “banks are in the habit of managing money, not property.” Therefore, if you do your research right you could offer the bank substantially less than the home’s market value especially when calculating the cost for repairs.

Repairs, Maintenance — My friend has an excellent grasp of what costs are associated with making repairs and has a good eye to inspect and find problems. Not every person in the market for a foreclosed home has that talent, necessitating that a home inspector be retained to help find these problems for them. In addition, a contractor will probably be needed to help oversee this type of project.

Use a Broker — Unless you have the skills to bid for a foreclosed home at an auction, you would be better dealing with a broker when searching for a foreclosed home. Some banks will only deal with professionals in the first place, while a broker can give you access where none would be available otherwise.

I do not know whether my friend will go ahead and snap up a foreclosure or two, but I have no doubt that he is now better equipped to handle this type of transaction if and when the opportunity arises.

Undertaking any renovation project means considering all aspects of the work to be done before getting started. Cost, hiring contractors, possible temporary displacement from your home, and the like must all be weighed. Yet, if a renovation is desired, now is the best time to get it done.

Reasons Why Renovating Should Not Be Delayed

If you delay your renovation project, you’ll soon learn that:

Project costs most certainly will increase — higher fuel prices are pushing the cost of housing materials ever higher. Products that are petroleum based, such as shingles, rise when gas prices go up. Wait a few months and you could be adding hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars to the cost of the work.

Interest rates may rise — if you are taking out a loan for your home renovation, interest rates are expected to begin rising later this year. Right now, mortgage rates are low, but a shaky economy means that future rates will be higher. Lock in the lowest rate while you can!

Contractor availability — with the housing slump in full force, plenty of contractors are looking for work. This can work to your advantage too — get at least three quotes and compare services offered and prices to find the best deal today.

Of course, when renovating you’ll want to choose your renovations wisely especially if you plan to eventually sell your home. Kitchens and bathroom renovations almost always offer a full return on your investment while most other rooms do not. However, don’t discount the enjoyment a particular room has to offer you as return on investment shouldn’t be allowed to trump your personal satisfaction ever.

Resources

Planning Your Home Expansion Project

All About Spec Planning

Home Equity Lending

Review House Plans