Graham Custom Homes

A Few More Home Maintenance Resolutions...

2012-01-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

A few more home improvements, repairs, and maintenance projects (that you might have been putting off) to add to your New Year's Resolution to-do list:

Get an Energy Audit
One of the first things on your to-do-list should be an energy audit. Hiring a professional energy auditor to assess your home's energy consumption may seem like an unnecessary expenditure. However, making your home more energy efficient can lead to more money saved over time. An energy auditor can point out poor insulation and air leaks throughout the home, which are common causes of increased utility bills over the winter. Improve Your Insulation
As stated above, poor insulation can be quite costly, especially during the winter months. What many people fail to realize is that poor insulation affects utility bills in the summer, as well. If your home is not properly insulated, you will end up spending more money on gas and electricity trying to keep it warm over the winter and cool during the summer. This makes insulation improvements an important task on your New Year's to-do-list for cutting costs in your home.

Look for Drafts
The final step in weatherizing your home for this New Year's home improvements is to check for drafts around walls, ceilings, doors and windows. After locating any air leaks, begin plugging them up with caulk, foam, tape or some other form of weather-stripping material. If you don't feel confident in doing it yourself, you can hire a contractor to do the job for you.

Start Buying Energy Efficient Appliances
According to the United States Department of Energy , home appliances and electronics make up 20% of your energy bill. From the living room television, to the refrigerator in the kitchen, replacing old appliances with new, Energy Star rated appliances can help save you money over time. Not only will you be saving money on your electric bill, but you'll also be saving the environment as well. Now that's a New Year's resolution worth making.

Get Organized and Ditch the Rental Storage Space
Many people find the need to rent a monthly storage space to store anything they can't fit in their home. In reality, most of these people would have sufficient space at home if they just took the time to do a little organizing. Consider clearing out the clutter in your garage and closets by having a yard sale. You can also donate any furniture, clothing or other household items that have been gathering dust in the attic to create more storage space.

Go Green
This New Year, embrace Green Living by making your home more eco-friendly. Instead of tossing glass, aluminum and plastic bottles or containers in the trash, keep them in separated bins. Then, head down to your local recycling center and get a couple bucks back for being environmentally conscious. Also consider going paperless to minimize waste. You can pay bills and manage your banking online, while utilizing email instead of snail mail to make your home paper-free.

Stop Buying Bottled Water and Get a Water Filter
Cut costs on your grocery bill by installing a water filter on your kitchen sink for drinking water instead of buying bottled water. While city tap water is regulated and should be safe enough to drink by itself, a water filter can provide that fresh, clean taste without having to spend as much on bottled cases of water. This is another New Year's task that can save you money while you save the environment by minimizing plastic pollution.

Refresh Your Home by Repainting a Room
Instead of going for a full remodel, you can refresh and update an old home with a simple paint job. Painting a room with a bold color, or multiple colors can bring new life to a ho-hum interior. If you feel reluctant about using loud colors that aren't typically on your home palette, do a little experimenting by painting an accent wall instead of the entire room. Worst case scenario, you can simply repaint the wall to match the original color scheme.

Improve Your Home Safety
Remember when you took the batteries out of the smoke detector for the TV remote in the living room? The New Year is a great time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. While you're at it, check and see that the fire extinguisher you've had since the 1980s still works. These tasks can prove to be invaluable on the off chance a real emergency like a gas leak or fire occurs. Plan out Dinner Menus for the Upcoming Year
Your final task for your New Year's home improvement list is to start planning out your dinners for the upcoming year. Many people find themselves eating out more when they have no idea what to prepare for themselves at home. Even consider buying yourself new cooking tools to experiment with dishes you've never served at home before, like a deep-fryer or slow-cooker. That way, you can add more variety to your dinner menu.

The Bottom Line
Your New Year's home improvement list does not need to be limited to these 10 tasks. Take a quick tour of your home and inspect areas that you've been purposely avoiding, ignoring or hiding. For example, that stain on the carpet under the living room rug, or the draft you noticed around the rear sliding door. Use the coming of the New Year to help motivate you into doing something that benefits yourself and your family by properly maintaining your home.

[Article courtesy of Investopedia/Yahoo! Finance]

5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Home

2012-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

We all start off the new year with the best intentions for self-improvement. And if your house could talk, it might have a few resolutions of its own. The good news is that these tasks are all relatively inexpensive and easier to accomplish than, say, exercising more or losing weight.

1. Change the furnace filter
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently. During the heating season filters should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced as needed. Better disposable filters cost $10 to $30 but will last up to three months.

2. Check smoke and CO alarms
Batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms usually need to be replaced every 10 years and carbon-monoxide alarms every five years. Check the alarm for its manufacture date. CO alarms should be on every level of your home, and smoke alarms should be in all bedrooms, hallways, the attic, and the basement. Remember, you need both smoke and CO alarms for the best protection.

3. Perform a radon test
After smoking, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Long-term test kits give you a more accurate idea of average radon levels, because levels can vary from day to day. Winter is a good time to test because doors and windows are likely to be closed and the home's stack effect is more likely to draw radon-containing soil gasses into the living space. Place the detector on the lowest level of your home.

4. Install a programmable thermostat
By automatically lowering the home's temperature by 5º to 10º F at night or when you're out, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in less than a year. The trick is to get one that's easy to read and use. They can also help save on cooling costs.

5. Clean your humidifier
If dry indoor air in the winter has your humidifier working overtime, remember that it needs frequent cleaning. Minerals in tap water can cause an accumulation of scale, a breeding ground for bacteria. So check the owner's manual to see which parts need to be descaled with vinegar and disinfected with bleach. Filters and wicks also require periodic replacement. Hard water can increase scale buildup.

[Article courtesy of Consumer Reports magazine]

Heating Systems and You

2011-10-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Now is the time to perform routine maintenance on your home's heating system to ensure that it is running efficiently this winter

A handy-dandy maintenance checklist offered by EngeryStar.gov:

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Heating Specific

Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

Actions To Do Yourself

Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

Sealing Your Drafty Home (and Save Money!)

2011-10-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to think about your winter energy dollars. You can save on your heating bill by reducing air leaks in your home. One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. For a small initial cost, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Homes typically have two different kinds of issues: drafts and under-insulated. Hire a good home inspector to investigate your house and inform you of the problem areas. Check out nachi.org or ashi.org to find a certified home inspector in your area.

Heating a house pressurizes the inside air & drives it through ceiling penetrations into the attic, which draws in cold replacement air through every crack that it can. The first fix is plugging the air leaks into the attic area. This is the most effective way to eliminate the drafting through other areas. With the attic area addressed & the walls soon to follow, you will be on your way to an improved heating & air conditioning bill. Most homes have numerous places to suck in cold replacement air: bath fans, electrical outlets and switches, fireplaces, windows, plus any break in the exterior envelope. Sealing these leak areas will give you a much more efficient home!

Fall Chores!

2011-09-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

One item that should be on your 'Winterize To-Do List' is to clean your gutters! Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters. Water trapped in gutters can cause major damage to your gutters, roof, and walls. Don't forget about those downspouts! Clogged downspouts can also present a problem. A pressure washer can sometimes be the best and fastest way to breakup debris. Simply insert sprayer tip into downspout and spray until unclogged. As always, if the project seems too dangerous or time consuming, hire a professional to do the job.

The Deer Clover Project

2011-05-17T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Deer Clover Project: This 6300 sq ft custom-built spec home is tucked into a vast Aspen grove, just below the infamous Fish Creek Falls trail head. The views through the 16 foot wide glass patio door to the Steamboat valley below and the mountain ranges beyond are breathtaking. Panoramic views from the vaulted great room are awe-inspiring. From the master suite and the private master deck, the Steamboat ski slopes jut into view. Deer Clover boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, plus two powder rooms – including an ample sized guest suite. The oversized four-car garage offers additional storage in the loft area. The outdoor space does not pale by comparison. Over 3000 sq ft of decks and stamped concrete verandas including an outdoor grilling space and a wood-burning fireplace.

Deer Clover Update

2011-05-17T07:46:00.001-07:00

Deer Clover Update

2011-05-17T07:44:00.001-07:00

The March To-Do List

2011-03-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

March may find you sighing with impatience as you watch yet another snowfall cover your barren container boxes, but it's one of the most important months for gardeners.

There's still time to do all of your prep work, from honing tools to starting seeds, as you imagine the shapes, tastes and colors of your next garden. Spring begins with the vernal equinox on March 20 — hopefully, like a lamb.

Tool cleanup
If you didn't do so in the fall, it's time to give your lawn mower and other tools some tough love.

Get ahead of the spring crowds by dropping off your lawn mower now to have the oil changed, bolts tightened and blades sharpened.
Remove soil from your tools' metal parts using sandpaper or a hose.
Sand rough edges on wooden tool handles, then coat them with linseed oil.
Sharpen your tools. A file will sharpen tools of all sizes, from shovels and hoes to trowels and clippers. A Carborundum wheel will work on smaller tools. Pruning shears can be sharpened with a whetstone. After sharpening, use a rag to apply a thin, penetrating oil to metal tool parts; follow with a heavier oil on tools that have moving parts.

Lawn doctoring
The green, green grass of home doesn't get that way by accident, and March is a perfect time to assess your lawn's health.

Pluck a 4- to 5-inch square from your yard to see what's going on down there. If your area has crane flies, count the larvae. Fewer than 35 per square foot means less work for you: Your lawn should be able to withstand that number.
If you're not sure what to look for, take your lawn sample to an expert at your garden store and ask for a diagnosis; then just press your sample back into its "bed."
Lime, treat moss and, finally, reseed as needed. (Overseeding can be done after midmonth.)
Fertilize your lawn now or start a new lawn using seeds or sod.

Weeding
There's always the battle of the weeds. The only way to win that fight is to keep at it. Nip weeds at the bud — literally, for if they're allowed to flower and go to seed, you could be looking at several years' worth of uninvited guests: Some weeds shed 10,000 seeds at a pop.

Remove weeds by hand.
Consult an expert in your area for dealing with persistent pests such as quackgrass or morning glory. Recommendations for herbicide treatment vary depending on the location of your garden's problem spots.

Preparing soil
Once your soil has had a chance to thaw and lose some of its winter moisture, you'll want to prep it for planting.

Remove mulch over the course of several days, exposing the soil gradually.
Till or spade soil six to 12 inches deep.
Mix in compost, peat moss and fertilizer for plants or vegetables. For vegetable gardens, include processed or well-rotted manure in the mix (using fresh manure in the spring may burn or damage your plants).
Rake the soil level to smooth out low spots; pockets of water can make the soil cool, which slows plant growth.

Vegetables
Start planning your vegetable garden, keeping in mind the following guidelines.

Choose neighboring vegetables carefully and you may as much as double your vegetable harvest. Onions, for example, are no friend to peas and beans but make good bedmates for tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and beets.
Depending on your planting zone and the vagaries of the weather gods, you can — finally — plant some perennial vegetables right in your rich new soil.
Later in the month (in most zones) you can seed or set out hardier vegetables, such as chard and Brussels sprouts.

Starting seeds
Caponata lovers, get those warm-season crops started indoors from seeds, including tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.

Whether you use egg cartons, trays or pots, be sure the seedlings get lots of light.
Get a jump on the Joneses' blooming season by planting some hardy flower seeds, such as petunias and marigolds.
Potted petunias, which stand up well to cool weather, can be placed on your deck now for a splash of color to whet your gardening appetite.

Pruning roses
After all the pleasure you've had from your rose bushes, now you can reward them with pruning. This will give bushes a more attractive shape and also result in larger blooms and longer stems. Use gloves to protect your hands from thorns.

With a sturdy clipper, make your cuts just above outside buds to encourage new outward growth, giving the plant more sunlight and air.
For more tips on pruning different kinds of rose bushes, consult a good gardening book or one of the many reputable gardening websites.

Planting
These are the deciduous days, so selections at garden stores and nurseries are at their peak — and not yet picked over — in March.

From late March into April is a great time to plant fruit trees and berries. Just be sure they have enough water as they get used to their new neighborhood.
In addition to zone-specific perennial vegetables, set out or plant new roses and cool-loving flowers such as snapdragons and pansies.

Slug control
As tender shoots start to poke up in the spring, they make a beggar's banquet for slugs. Plan your counterattack before young plants become young nubs.

As with much garden damage control, natural methods are growing in popularity. One simple approach is to sprinkle slugs with salt, which causes them to dry up.
Slugs are attracted to stale beer, which you can leave in a shallow dish or bowl; slugs will enter and drown.
Or you can gather slugs at night by hand, armed with a flashlight, something to lift them with and a pail.
If you use a commercial slug bait, read the label carefully to be sure it won't endanger children, pets or birds.

Fun for kids
Kids love to help with simple growing projects or to have plants of their own to watch and care for, especially if growth is rapid (remember those pint-size attention spans).

Growing a hyacinth from the bulb is fun, easy and educational. Find a glass or plastic container with a narrow opening. Set the bulb over the opening, and fill the container with water to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch below the bulb. As the bulb's roots grow downward for a drink, the top will soon begin to develop and bloom — a great lesson in how plants grow, with a colorful, fragrant result!
Kids love watching plants grow from seeds. Beans, peas and parsley all grow quickly in pots, and seeds can be set in fun shapes or kids' initials.

For the birds
Find out who's likely to fly over for a visit in the next month or two, and target bird treats and feeder types for their individual tastes.

Most bird species will go for either oil-type sunflower seeds or white millet (offered separately), but sunflower-seed munchers tend to prefer elevated feeders with perches, while millet lovers usually prefer ground or large platform feeders.

Article courtesy of MSN Real Estate.

Chimney Safety Institute of America Tips on Fireplace Safety

2011-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) reports, on average, 25,400 fireplace, chimney, or chimney connector fires a year. Fireplace safety begins with proper cleaning and maintenance. The safety guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association call for annual professional inspections of all wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors, and all other solid-fueled heating equipment. Follow up cleaning should be done according to inspection results.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers these tips to keep wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves clean and clear from the top of the chimney to bottom of the firebox:

Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys. To locate a certified sweep, visit the CSIA Web site at www.csia.org or call 1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep can also perform maintenance on your wood stove or help remove gas logs from a fireplace.
Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or debris.
Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
Fuel the fire safely. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored properly.
Build it right. Place firewood or firelogs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use a firelighter.
Keep the hearth area clear. Debris too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire.
Use a fireplace screen. Use a metal, mesh or screen in front of the fireplace to catch flyaway sparks that could ignite.
Be careful not to overload the fireplace. Add one manufactured firelog at a time or no more than a couple of pieces of firewood. Never burn garbage or glossy paper products.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors throughout the house and make sure to check the batteries each month.
Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.

For more information, please visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America at www.csia.org.

Home Efficiency + Home Automation

2011-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Energy efficiency & sustainability are important to many of us today. A home automation system can help us achieve a balance between eco-friendly living & enjoying our cool gadgets. Incorporating smart home technology into a new or existing structure makes it easier to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint a home or business creates. Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility, so do your part by making simple changes that not only help the earth, but will also save you money and add convenience to your home. With many new easy to install home automation products readily available, it’s now simpler than ever to automate your home and go green at the same time!

Energy reducing control systems operate only when required & conserve energy – not needlessly consuming energy while on standby. Now, you know you need to turn appliances and electronics off to save energy, but did you know that once you turn them off, they are still using electricity? That’s right – many items in your home continue to draw energy even after they are shut down – items like your computer and its peripherals, your television, stereo, microwave and stove. These items go into standby mode once switched off and create what’s known as a “phantom load” which can add up to 8% to your electricity bill.

It is easier to more fully outfit a house during construction due to the accessibility of the walls, outlets, and storage rooms, and the ability to make design changes specifically to accommodate certain technologies. Want a home automation system in your current home? Not a problem, wireless systems can be installed when outfitting a pre-existing house, as they obviate the need to make major structural changes.

Why go green?

2011-01-20T10:36:00.001-08:00

Why go green? It’s easier on the earth, it lowers costs, and it provides a healthier home in which to live. According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20% of America’s energy. Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50%. It’s widely agreed that forests produce 40% of Earth's oxygen, and that building supplies use 25% of its forests. Remodeling green by incorporating recycled materials or sustainable species will help homeowners to tread more lightly on Earth’s natural resources. Green remodeling is becoming more popular as homeowners consider health issues, skyrocketing energy costs and Earth’s natural resources. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children, and more than 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies, all of which are aggravated by poor indoor air quality.
Components of Green Remodeling Energy conservation:

Energy Conservation: The average home today utilizes systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and most homes are not built as efficiently as they could be, all of which results in high energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year. Green remodeling puts a strong emphasis on making homes as efficient as possible with modifications like energy efficient appliances and thermostats that can be programmed at different temperatures for different times of the day.

Indoor air quality: There are many sources that contribute to the air quality inside a home. They include pollutants brought in from the outside, toxic chemicals existing inside the home, and the activities of the occupants that create pollutants. Major contributors are tobacco smoke, smoke from the burning of wood, coal, kerosene or other such substances, toxic fumes from sealants or chemicals from cleaning products, lead paint, asbestos from insulation, damp carpets or fabrics, and certain pressed-wood furniture products that release chemicals into the air. Green remodeling seeks to remedy these problems with things like better ventilation systems and using wood, paint, and sealants that are nontoxic.

Reduced material waste and resource conservation: When remodeling a home, there is often a large amount of construction waste. This amounts to 136 million tons of waste annually, according to the EPA, which in turn makes up 20% of the waste in landfills. Green remodeling focuses on reducing this waste during remodeling and reusing materials whenever possible, as 85 to 90% of materials thrown out can be recycled. Using local materials, building with engineered lumber, and using recycling companies to remove waste are all ways this can be achieved during remodeling.

Environmentally safe products: Many products and practices used in the remodel of a home have negative effects on the environment. From chemicals and materials that pollute the air to the disturbing of the surrounding landscape, a myriad of actions taken can cause harm. With green, care is given to minimizing or eliminating products that could cause harm to the environment or the occupants during remodeling or after.

Overall green remodeling proves to be very beneficial for homeowners. It:

Reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency
Conserves natural resources
Increases the value of the home
Improves indoor air quality and in turn, overall health
Reduces waste
Reduces emissions costs
Increases productivity of occupants
Improves quality of life

Ways to Implement Green Into Your Home: Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn’t necessarily have to encompass the entire home. It’s easy to pick and choose elements that fit each particular homeowner.

Non-toxic paints and sealants
Programmable thermostats
Energy efficient appliances
Natural flooring
Local building materials
Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
Energy efficient lighting
Insulated hot water pipes
Tankless water heaters
Quality insulation
Native plants for landscaping

Another Task for the Winter To-Do List

2011-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Inspecting your dryer vents each year can help prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries because of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas powered appliances require maintenance to ensure they are working safely and efficiently. All gas appliances must be properly vented to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The dryer vent system is responsible for removing heat, moisture and gas by-products by forcing it out through the dryer vent outside. When the dryer vent is clogged with lint, it makes it harder for the hot, moist air to escape. Lint build-up in dryer vent systems can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to enter your home too. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, difficult to detect, and it is deadly!

Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: dizziness, headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and feeling faint and tired. Many people who experience these symptoms don’t realize it until it's too late. They attribute their symptoms to some other ailment. With carbon monoxide, you will not smell the fuel leak as it takes over your home. Have your clothes dryer exhaust ducts inspected annually and maintained as necessary by a certified technician. Don't forget to clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Also clean the lint screen before or after drying each load of clothes.

Save Money and Stay Warm!

2011-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

This winter, save money and stay warm. Keep your energy bill and your pollution output low this winter by taking a whole-house approach to heating.

• During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
• Insulate the floor of your attic. Heat always flows from warmer spaces to colder spaces, and that's why you should insulate your attic. Consider adding insulation in unfinished basement walls and crawlspaces too.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temp setting when you are away or sleeping.
• Replace furnace filters regularly and properly maintain and clean heating equipment.
• Weatherize your home—caulk and weatherstrip any doors and windows that leak air.

Winter Travel Safety

2010-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

While the stories of individuals lost in winter storms or trapped or sliding off the road and being trapped in their cars overnight are far less frequent than they once were, we can all be better prepared by simply packing a winter essentials kit in our cars. Keep a bag stocked and always present in your trunk. Kits should include, at minimum:

Winter coat, hat, and gloves; ideally a blanket (or more than one) as well
First-aid kit
Some non-perishable food such as granola bars, or crackers; even just some hard candy can help
Strike anywhere matches in a water-tight container
Candles and an empty coffee can to melt snow; a cup is a good idea as well
Flashlight with extra batteries
Small tool kit or at least an all purpose tool
Shovel
Jumper cables
Tire chains

During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Don't forget to prepare your car for winter.

Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.

GCH wishes you many safe travels!

The Family Fire Escape Plan

2010-12-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Smoke Alarms:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Fire Escape Planning:
Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home. Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Five Easy Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Projects

2010-11-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Five Easy Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Projects for Under $50
(So easy, you have no excuse not to make them)

Install aerators on faucets - These screw-on mesh screens break up water droplets, so you use less water but get just as much rinsing power.
Clean your refrigerator coils - If they’re coated with dust, refrigerator coils can’t transfer heat efficiently, so it takes more energy to cool your food. Get at them (they’re usually found underneath the unit or at the back) with a long-handled brush.
Replace weatherstripping - Over time, the seals around windows and doors wear out, letting in the chill of winter air and prompting you to crank up the thermostat.
Reduce light pollution - Put a motion sensor on your all-night garage floodlight. Not only will you save electricity; you will get to enjoy one of early fall’s greatest pleasures: a clear view of the night sky.
Clean green - You don’t need dozens of toxic products. Soap, baking soda, and vinegar or lemon juice can take care of most household cleaning needs. For recipes, get the book Clean and Green, by Annie Berthold-Bond.

(courtesy of greenhomeguide.org)

Window Replacement: What's the Greenest Choice?

2010-11-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

Are your windows collecting condensation or a frost buildup? In the winter, does your window feel colder than the rest of the house? Is the trim rotting, cracking or missing? You may be due for a replacement window or two. Anyone who has done a recent price-check on windows knows they are not a cheap update. While making such an investment in your home, why not be eco-friendly? The Greenandsave.com website offers a great article on updating or replacing windows: Window Replacement: What's the Greenest Choice?

Fall Chores: Clean Those Gutters!

2010-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Autumn...the leaves are falling, the chill is in the air, snow is right around the corner. Before you start packing up all the yard tools, you have one more chore to do...clean those gutters! Water trapped in gutters can cause major damage to your gutters, roof, and walls. Don't forget about those downspouts! Clogged downspouts can also present a problem. A pressure washer can sometimes be the best and fastest way to breakup debris. Simply insert sprayer tip into downspout and spray until unclogged. As always, if the project seems too dangerous or time consuming, hire a professional to do the job.

GCH Projects : Deer Clover Update

2010-10-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

A photo update of the Steamboat Springs, CO Deer Clover project. We are currently in the exterior finishing stage. The 6300 sq ft home is located on an amazing lot, tucked into a vast Aspen grove, just below the infamous Fish Creek Falls trail head. The views of the Steamboat valley below and the mountain ranges beyond are breathtaking. The 3000 sq ft + decks and stamped concrete verandas, offer great outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the surroundings. Want a sneak peek? Contact Chris Paoli at 970.819.1432, chris@mybrokers.com, or visit his website at www.thepaoligroup.com.

GCH Projects : Deer Clover Update

2010-10-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

GCH Projects : Deer Clover Update

2010-10-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

GCH Projects : Deer Clover Update

2010-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

GCH Projects : Deer Clover

2010-09-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Paoli Group and Graham Custom Homes have partnered to create the Deer Clover project. The project broke ground mid 2009. This 6300 sq ft custom-built spec home is tucked into a vast Aspen grove, just below the infamous Fish Creek Falls trail head. The views through the 16 foot wide glass patio door to the Steamboat valley below and the mountain ranges beyond are breathtaking. Panoramic views from the vaulted great room are awe-inspiring. From the master suite and the private master deck, the Steamboat ski slopes jut into view. Deer Clover boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, plus two powder rooms – including an ample sized guest suite. The oversized four-car garage offers additional storage in the loft area. The outdoor space does not pale by comparison. Over 3000 sq ft of decks and stamped concrete verandas including an outdoor grilling space and a wood-burning fireplace.

With the Paoli Group and Graham Custom Homes working together for you, you can expect a long term relationship and a commitment to surpassing your expectations. Chris Paoli is available to be reached at 970.819.1432, chris@mybrokers.com, or visit their website at www.thepaoligroup.com.

Energy Savers Booklet

2010-09-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Energy website offers a pdf format booklet: Energy Savers - Tips on Saving Money At Home. The booklet provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. By following just a few of the simple tips found in Energy Savers, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool—while you save money. Energy Savers offers you the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies, plus tips for using clean, renewable energy to power your home. Some of the tips are simple to do, while others require more effort and investment. Check it out at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/

Home Energy Audit

2010-09-10T12:12:00.001-07:00

You may have heard the phrase "Home Energy Audit" before, but wondering what it entails? An energy audit is an inspection, survey, and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s). Simply put, it can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. A home energy audit is often the first step in making your home more efficient and to lower your carbon footprint.

Not sure where to start? Your first step should be to contact your local utility and see if they offer a free home energy audit. Most public utilities will conduct home energy audits for their customers, free of charge. Or you may hire a professional Home Energy Auditor. The pros use a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of your home. Thorough audits often use equipment such as blower doors, which measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope, and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation.

Fireplace Cleaning + Maintenance

2010-09-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys. To locate a certified sweep, visit the CSIA Web site at www.csia.org or call 1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep can also perform maintenance on your wood stove or help remove gas logs from a fireplace.
Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or debris.
Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
Fuel the fire safely. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored properly.
Build it right. Place firewood or firelogs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use a firelighter.
Keep the hearth area clear. Debris too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire.
Use a fireplace screen. Use a metal, mesh or screen in front of the fireplace to catch flyaway sparks that could ignite.
Be careful not to overload the fireplace. Add one manufactured firelog at a time or no more than a couple of pieces of firewood. Never burn garbage or glossy paper products.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors throughout the house and make sure to check the batteries each month.
Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.

For more information, please visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America at www.csia.org.

Time To Clean Those Dryer Vents!

2010-08-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Dryer not drying as well as it should? Then it is time to clean your dryer vent! This is one of those chores that should be on your honey-do list every six months. Cleaning your dryer vent will not only improve your dry time, it may prevent an unsafe situation in your home. The US Fire Administration reports that clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually. “Failure to clean” is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

Unplug the clothes dryer from the electrical outlet. (If it's a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply to the dryer at the appliance shutoff valve.) Pull the dryer away from the wall and vacuum behind it. Unhook the tube that leads to the vent and clear as much lint from the tube as you can. Rinse the vent hose in the sink until it is clean or use a shop vacuum to remove as much lint as possible. Check for holes in the hose. If you find any holes replace the vent hose. Take it to any hardware store and make sure to buy the same size and the right length. Grab that shop vac, go outside, and tackle the outside dryer vent as well. Locate the external vent and remove the vent cover. You may have to scrape away some caulk from around the cover. The foot-long vent tube should slide right out. Remove lint from inside the hole. Slide the vent tube back in and replace the cover. Head back inside, plug the dryer back in and run the dryer for a few minutes to make sure air is unobstructed while flowing through the vent.

Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads

2010-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Low-Flow shower heads and faucet aerators are the single most effective water conservation savings you can do for your home. The aerator (the screw-on tip of the faucet) ultimately determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. Typically, new kitchen faucets come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates from 1.5 to 0.5 gpm. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gpm. Some aerators even come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature. When replacing an aerator, bring the one you're replacing to the store with you to ensure a proper fit.

Low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators are inexpensive to replace, simple to install, and can be one of the most cost-effective water conservation measures. They can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50% and reduce your cost of heating the water by as much as 50%. This conservation of water and energy is not only good for the environment, but the savings in your utility bills will pay for the cost of the aerators within a few months.

Local Harvest

2010-08-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know the typical carrot has to travel 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table? Farmers markets are great places to shop and a great way to support the small, local farms, run by farmers who live on their land and work hard to preserve it. Truly, the best organic food is what's grown closest to you. You can also cut down on the use of fossil fuels used to haul food to the local supermarket, which leads to significantly reduced levels of pollution and resource depletion. This website can help you find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies: http://www.localharvest.org/

Water Heater Sediment

2010-08-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Water heater manufacturers recommend flushing the sediment from the tank once a year. Sediment is the dirt, sand, and minerals from the water company or well, and is a normal part of a water system. Over time this sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater. A deep layer of sediment displaces water and reduces the amount of hot water available for your use. It can also clog the drain valve and possibly affect the efficiency of the water heater. Water heater sediment can also slow the heat transfer and overheat the bottom of the tank. By cleaning your water heater regularly and flushing this sediment out, you will extend the life of your heater and will lower the energy and money required to run your water heater.

The Forest Stewardship Council

2010-07-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was looking for eco-friendly landscaping and gardening tools. With a bit on online research, I came across the The Forest Stewardship Council (www.fscus.org). If you are not familiar with the FSC, it is an international non-profit to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. Its main tools for achieving this are standard setting, independent certification and labeling of forest products. FSC offers customers the ability to choose products from socially and environmentally responsible forestry.

The FSC offers a product search on their website to help you find retailers that stock a wide range of FSC-certified products such as paper, furniture, building materials (lumber, plywood, flooring, doors and windows), and other items like guitars, wood toys, even cosmetics and kitchenware. By choosing FSC-certified products, you are rewarding responsible forest management, benefiting people and nature, around the world.

Roof Problems

2010-07-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Roof leaks are not always caused by damaged or missing shingles. Roof problems may actually be due to broken or improper roof flashing. Repairing the flashing or providing new flashing may be all that is needed to make the roof watertight again. What is flashing? Flashing refers to thin continuous pieces of sheet metal or other impervious materials, offering extra protection at prone points of the roof. The function of flashing is to provide a watertight junction between roofing materials and roof projections or other parts of the structure, and between roof sections. The most common locations for roof flashing are at valleys,chimneys, roof penetrations, eaves, rakes, skylights, ridges, and at roof-to-wall intersections.

Many flashing problems can be reduced or eliminated by regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance. Save yourself the chore of repairing and painting ceilings and walls that were stained by water leaks and add 'check flashing' to your honey-do list.

Laying Sod

2010-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

After many unsuccessful attempts at grass seed, I finally gave in and bought a few rolls of sod to patch the dead areas in the backyard. An afternoon of work and presto...lawn! Instant gratification! If you remember these four steps, sod is an easy fix for troublesome yard areas.

Soil Prep: Till the soil to four to six inches, rake it to remove sticks and stones and roots, then smooth the surface to make it even. Water the bare soil a day or two before you lay the sod to see if you have any low spots where water puddles up. Add top soil or re-grade to eliminate low spots.
Sod Install: Once the sod is delivered, lay it as soon as possible. You do not want your sod to dry out. Stagger the pieces you lay (make sure the corners of the sod aren’t in the same exact place for each row). Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, and stretch lightly. Avoid gaps as sod shrinks when it dries. Use a pocket knife or box cutter to cut any odd shaped pieces you need. When you've laid all the sod, you need to tamp down the grass so it makes solid contact with the soil underneath.
Watering: After 30 minutes of installation, give the lawn a good watering. Water it at least every day for two weeks to keep the soil moist but not soaked. After about two weeks, the sod should be firmly rooted in. After that, water every three days for the next two weeks. Water deep enough to wet the soil underneath the sod and to encourage the roots to plunge deeper into the soil.
Mowing: Wait about two to three weeks before mowing. Once the blades are about three inches high, cut just a little off the top. Every time after that, gradually reduce the height till the grass is an inch and a half tall.

Smoke Alarms + Your Safety

2010-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates more than 94% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. Sadly, here are more homes with smoke alarms that do not work, than homes without alarms. These poorly maintained units create a false sense of security for residents. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 year old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
An ionization alarm with a hush button or a photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing . These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms
Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Wood Siding Maintenance

2010-07-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing really compares to the richness and character of natural, stained wood siding. Wood siding is an excellent choice for its visual appeal, but one must be aware of the maintenance required. If properly maintained, wood siding will last for decades. Also, some types of wood, such as redwood, cedar, and cypress, withstand the elements better than others and will last longer, but they still require some maintenance.

The recommended maintenance schedule for wood siding is to repaint at least every five years, and treat or stain every three years, depending on your climate. For example, in the mountain states where the sun and snow can be rather harsh, you might need to have your wood siding treated more often.

Repair methods vary depending on the type of siding you have, but the majority are fairly easy to fix. Renailing loose sheathing, replacing rotted elements and patching any holes or gaps on the underlying surface will help in maintaining your siding after it is repaired. Always identify and remedy the underlying problem before you repair the siding, or you will be back repairing the same problem again next summer.

Celebrate the Fourth

2010-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism". ~Erma Bombeck

Graham Custom Homes wishes everyone a very safe and happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks Safety + Children

2010-06-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

It's an American tradition...the annual lighting of fireworks. Unfortunately, injuries from fireworks are another tradition that often seems to follow when kids are allowed to play with fireworks.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that:

there were 7 fireworks-related deaths in 2008 and 11 in 2007
about 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks in 2008
most injuries from fireworks occur in the few weeks around July 4th
almost half of the injuries were to children under age 15
firecrackers caused the most injuries, followed by rockets and sparklers
burns are the most common injuries from fireworks

The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals. Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.
Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
Never try to make your own fireworks.
Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast!

Celebrate the Fourth in Steamboat!

2010-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

We are getting geared up to celebrate a fantastic 4th in Steamboat Springs! Wondering what to do? Check out this fun-filled lineup of events.

Thursday, July 1:

9:00 - 10:30AM Downtown Historic Walking Tour, Tread of Pioneers Museum
12:15 - 1:00PM Music on the Green~ Meridian Quartet at Yampa River Botanic Park, Strings Music Festival (free admission)
8:00PM Jesse Cook at Strings Music Pavilion, Strings Music Festival

Friday, July 2:

10:00AM - 4:00PM Art on the Mountain in Gondola Square
12:00 - 1:00PM Brown Bag Lecture Series, Tread of Pioneers Museum
1:00 - 4:30PM Cow Town Ranch Tour, Community Agriculture Alliance
5:00 - 8:00PM First Friday Artwalk, downtown Steamboat Springs starting at 13th and Lincoln
5:00 - 8:00PM Steamboat Clay Artisans at The Depot
7:00 PM Mountain Valley Bank Ranch Rodeo at Romick Arena beginning with Heritage Ranch Family Awards (free admission)
8:00PM Jesse Cook at Strings Music Pavilion, Strings Music FestivalSaturday, July 3:
8:00AM Mountain Madness Road Race - Half Marathon & 10K at Howelsen Ice Rink
9:00 - 11:00AM Nordic Ski Jumping Competition at Howelsen Hill
9:00AM - 2:00PM MainStreet Farmer’s Market, 6th Street next to the courthouse
10:00AM - 4:00PM Art on the Mountain in Gondola Square
7:30 - 10:00PM Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series at Romick Arena
8:00PM Multi-Media performance of Chamber music at Strings Music Pavilion, Strings Music Festival

Sunday, July 4:

7:00 - 10:00AM Pancake Breakfast at the Little Toots Park, Steamboat Springs Lions Club
9:30AM 5th Annual Cross Country/ Nordic Combined Roller Ski Race
9:40AM 19th Annual Steamboat Sprint - 400 yard dash at Lincoln Avenue, Running Series
10:00AM Fourth of July Parade presented by the Yampa Valley Bank Parade theme: Cowboys Dig Downtown
10:00AM - 4:00PM Art on the Mountain in Gondola Square
11:00AM - 1:00PM Pioneer Day Block Party at the Tread of Pioneers Museum featuring a free community concert
12:30PM 4th of July Ski Jump Extravaganza, Nordic Combined competition, Howelsen Hill
6:30PM Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series - special performance at Romick Arena
Approx. 9:30PM Fourth of July Fireworks display at dark following the end of the rodeo, Howelsen Hill

Eco-Friendly Summer Cooling Tips

2010-06-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are here and the heat is on. Keeping our houses cool with air conditioners costs Americans about $11 billion a year. And those air conditioners release about 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air annually -- two tons for each home that has one. Looking for ways to stay cool this summer and reduce your carbon footprint and energy bill? Here are a few simple and inexpensive tips to help:

Fans and Ceiling Fans: Fans don’t use much energy, but when air is circulating, it feels much cooler. Ceiling fans are best, but a good portable fan can be very effective as well.
Shades, drapes, or blinds: Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently.
Internal Heat: The most common sources of internal heat gain are appliances, electronic devices, and lighting. Be aware from where the heat is coming. By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will have to use less energy to cool it.
Plants: Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer and allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow.
Humidity: Humidity makes room air feel warmer, so reduce indoor humidity. Minimize mid-day washing and drying clothes, showering, and cooking.

AC Annual Service Check

2010-06-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Is your AC unit not cooling your house as well as it used to? Does your air conditioning unit make funny noises? Is your AC louder than it used to be? Has the humidity in your home increased? Is there condensation around the ducts? These are all signs that your air conditioner needs a bit of maintenance. Did you know that without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses five percent of its original efficiency each year of operation? Not only is your AC working harder and harder to perform, but your energy bills are also getting higher. Perhaps the most important tip for maximizing your AC, then, is to keep it serviced. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home.

A service check should include: cleaning the condensing unit coils, checking the amp draw of the compressor, checking that belts are well adjusted, oiling the fan motors, checking the system operating pressures and temperatures against the manufacturers specifications, and last but not least, check the coolant level. A system can cost 20% more to operate if it's only 10% low on Freon. It is recommended the coolant level be checked each year. By taking care of these things each year, the cost of an annual tune-up is made up quickly in savings on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair costs.

Also check your AC filter once a month during the cooling season, and keep it clean. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. A good maintenance plan should include filter replacements.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there. This quote made me laugh and wanted to share it with all of you.

"Fathers are the geniuses of the house because only a person as intelligent as we could fake such stupidity. Think about your father: He doesn't know where anything is. You ask him to do something, he messes it up and your mother sends you: "Go down and see what your father's doing before he blows up the house." He's a genius at work because he doesn't want to do it, and he knows someone will be coming soon to stop him." -- Bill Cosby

Sump Pump Maintenance

2010-06-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

The sump pump. The strange-looking device in the corner of the basement we rarely think about until we need it. What exactly is it? A sump pump is usually an electric pump that is placed in the basement of a home, and used to pump water from the basement to outside the home. Sump pumps normally work in combination with a sump pit. The sump pit is simply a hole dug into the ground, generally in the basement of a house, which allows water to collect into it. The pump then pumps the water out of that sump pit hole. A basement sump pump is most often used in cases where the house's basement is below the water table level, and in places where flooding is common. Because a sump pump is a piece of mechanical equipment, it usually needs some type of cleaning and general maintenance on a regular schedule. In some areas it's best to clean the sump pump yearly, but if your pump is used heavily you should consider examining it every three to four months.

4 Month Inspection + Maintenance:

Clean pump inlet screen
Check power cord and make sure the cord is connected to power
Dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and make sure the pump turns on.

Yearly Inspection + Maintenance:

Remove the pump from the sump and clean it and inspect it
Clean out the sump
Replace the pump in the sump
Check power cord and make sure the cord is connected to power
Dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and make sure the pump turns on, adjusting the float if required.

Never take your pump apart yourself to clean it. Most manufacturers advise against cleaning them yourself as you might deal damage to the pump's mechanisms. Consult your manual for things that you can or cannot do to clean your pump. Otherwise, contact your manufacturer and qualified personnel for sump pump maintenance and intensive cleaning. You might void the warranty by doing the cleaning job yourself.

Summerize Your Home

2010-06-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Americans spend more than $22 billion a year and use a whopping 183 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to cool their homes with air conditioning, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Remember, electricity prices tend to rise with the temperature, but you can trim your energy bills and still stay comfortable. Think "summerize". Many of the same weatherization products you use in the fall to protect your home, like weatherstripping, can work well in the summer, too.

Hot summer heat can invade your home just like cold drafts in the winter. The most common area for air to penetrate a home is around window and door frames. Plug up air leaks with weatherstripping around the frame and use special door bottom seals for the floor. There are a variety of weatherstrip options, made from different materials and for an array of uses, so be sure to choose the correct weatherstripping for your project.
Window air conditioning units can let in hot air and more. A poorly insulated window air conditioning unit can provide a way in for insects, dust and pollen. There are a variety of products to seal your window air conditioning unit that can be customized to the size and shape you need to stop cold air from escaping and bugs from entering your home.
Home energy bills can rise with the thermometer. The hotter it gets outside, the harder your air conditioning works and the higher your electric bill soars. Weatherizing your home will help control the amount of cold air flowing out of and hot air entering your home.
Year-round energy savings are a plus. Insulation is by far your best barrier to cold and hot air, providing savings throughout the seasons. Consider insulating your attic, walls and basement this summer.
Warm air can sneak in through hidden places. Ideally, the wall cavity is filled with insulation to stop air leaks between the exterior cladding and walls of your home. Regardless if your home does or does not have insulation in the walls, hot summer air often enters the home around faceplates and wall sockets.
Cold air can seep out of the chimney. Many homeowners enjoy their fireplaces throughout the cold winter days, but forget to close the flue when warm summer air returns. Don’t forget to close the flue.

Before Diving In...

2010-06-03T12:28:00.001-07:00

Graham Custom Homes want you to have a safe and fun summer. Why not spend a few moments to check the safety of your pool? The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals offers this info on pool and spa safety:

Responsible Adult Supervision: always have a responsible adult supervise children in any pool, spa, or hot tub environment.
Drains, Suction Fittings, and Jets: proper grate, cover, and door installation prevents bodily harm. Make sure your drain covers meet the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M standard.
Diving: check and tighten bolts on all diving boards, slides, and platforms.
Electrical Hazard: have a licensed electrician, experienced in swimming pools and hot tubs, inspect your electrical equipment.
Ladders, Steps and Handrail: you should have adequate safe-entry and safe-exit methods in both ends of the pool and two sides of the spa or hot tub.
Drowning Prevention: install and inspect fences, self-closing and latching gates, baby barriers, fences, and alarms. Check that you have all the necessary safety equipment; life rings, shepherd hooks, and lockable safety cover.

Free water safety brochures and additional information can be found at www.apsp.org. Have a safe and fun summer!

Deck Safety + Maintenance

2010-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

June! Summer is here and so begins the summer chores. I walked around the backyard yesterday and couldn't help but notice the eyesore my back deck has become. Needing to clean, repair, and refinish the deck, I looked to the North American Deck and Rail Association (NADRA) for tips.

Look for loose or corroded fasteners. This can be especially important — nails and screws can come loose or break as a deck settles, and it’s easy to trip and fall over a loose board.
Give close inspection to railings, banisters and stairs. Push on your railings and banisters — there should be no movement. Take the time to make sure no balusters (railing pickets) are loose or missing.
Do some quick cleaning. Use a broom or hose to remove any leaves or other debris from your deck. If you have a wood deck and you discover mold, take the time to properly remove it and then apply a waterproof sealant, carefully considering what harsh chemicals may do to your nearby landscaping. Composite and PVC decking may require a quick pressure-wash or scrub with a mild detergent.

While it’s quick and easy to fix a loose screw, you might want to seek a professional opinion if you’re noticing significant rot or are uncertain about how well your deck is attached to your house. You can check out other deck care and maintenance tips and deck safety at NADRA’s website. (www.nadra.org)

GCH Projects: Deer Clover

2010-05-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Paoli Group and Graham Custom Homes have partnered to create the Deer Clover project. GCH's approach to creating your custom home is simple: quality, value, and service. At Graham Custom Homes, we offer truly unique and inspiring homes. We take pride in our high quality construction, our ability to deliver exceptional craftsmanship for maximum value and our superior customer service. A large component of The Paoli Group is a residential development division. Their philosophy and focus has been this: it all starts with a great home site in the right neighborhood. Chris Paoli has been developing property in the Steamboat Springs area since 2002. The Paoli Group was formed to help their clients accomplish their goals. Combining Chris’s market knowledge and investment/development experience with a professional marketing team our clients receive unparalleled representation in the Steamboat Springs real estate market. The Paoli Group commits their time and energy to the clients’ interests. With the Paoli Group and Graham Custom Homes working together for you, you can expect a long term relationship and a commitment to surpassing your expectations. Chris Paoli is available to be reached at 970.819.1432, chris@mybrokers.com, or visit their website at www.thepaoligroup.com.

Seal Your Investment!

2010-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

We walk on it. We drive on it. We park on it. Do you consider your driveway to be an important investment? It is and it requires regular maintenance and care, especially if it is subjected to harmful conditions (harsh winter weather, de-icing salts, oil/gas leaks). Consider applying a sealer to preserve and protect your investment. Most of us put off sealing driveways until the fall, but the spring is an ideal time to do it. The outside temperature needs to be at least 55 degrees and no rain is expected within 36 hours. Once your driveway is coated with a sealer, stains are easier to clean and cracks caused by severe weather are less likely to occur.

Step 1: Clean the Driveway
Use dishwasher detergent and water to remove gas and oil stains. Dirt, weeds and rocks must be extracted from all cracks. The use of a pressure-washer is your best option to thoroughly clean your driveway. Allow the surface adequate time to dry.

Step 2: Repair Cracks
Cracks in your driveway and the products to fill those cracks come in all shapes and sizes. To repair smaller cracks, you can use filler that comes in a can or a dispenser similar to a caulking gun. Larger cracks could require a cold patch material packed tightly into the hole. Allow filler materials adequate time to dry.

Step 3: Apply Sealer
Stir the sealer thoroughly, then pour, brush or spray the protective coating on the driveway. Keep in mind that some sealer manufacturers recommend a light misting of water on the surface as the sealer is applied. Use a push broom, brush, roller or squeegee to spread the sealer. Allow the sealer 24 hours to dry. For best results, you should apply at least two coats of sealer every two to three years.

Electrical Safety

2010-05-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you thought about the electrical system in your home? Let alone checked it? Take a few moments to look around your home and check a couple of items. Those few minutes spent walking through your house is time well spent.

Look for burn marks at the main electrical panel; they can be a sign of arcing inside the panel, which can easily lead to a fire. Loose connections or damaged insulation can cause the arcing. Note: Only a qualified electrician should remove the front panel cover.
Trip and reset the circuit breakers regularly.
Remove any combustible materials such as paper boxes or flammable liquids from the area near the main electrical panel. Sparks caused by arcing inside the panel can ignite material stored nearby.
Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs they are an indication of a worn out receptacle. Worn receptacles should be replaced as they cause overheating and fires. Also check electrical outlets and switches to be sure they work properly. If any switches, outlets or receptacles do not work, have a qualified electrician determine the problem and fix it to avoid fires inside the walls of your home.
Install safety covers to help protect children from electrical shock. Any appliance or tool that gives even the slightest shock should be unplugged and checked by an electrician or repair shop.

New Tree Planting

2010-05-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is the early spring before budbreak or during the dormant season in the fall after leaf drop. Follow these simple steps and you can significantly reduce the stress placed on the plant at the time of planting.

Dig a shallow, broad planting hole. Make the hole wide, as much as three times the diameter of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball. It is important to make the hole wide because the roots on the newly establishing tree must push through surrounding soil in order to establish.
Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where the roots spread at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted. If the trunk flare is not partially visible, you may have to remove some soil from the top of the root ball.
Remove tree container for containerized trees. Carefully cutting down the sides of the container may make this easier. Inspect the root ball for circling roots and cut or remove them. Expose the trunk flare, if necessary.
Place the tree at the proper height. The majority of the roots on the newly planted tree will develop in the top 12 inches of soil. If the tree is planted too deeply, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 2 to 3 inches above the base of the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level.
Straighten the tree in the hole. Before you begin backfilling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight.
Fill the hole gently but firmly. Fill the hole about one-third full and gently but firmly pack the soil around the base of the root ball. Then, if the root ball is wrapped, cut and remove any fabric, plastic, string, and wire from around the trunk and root ball to facilitate growth. Fill the remainder of the hole, taking care to firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause roots to dry out. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.
Stake the tree, if necessary. Studies have shown that trees establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. However, protective staking may be required on sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism, or windy conditions are concerns. Remove support staking and ties after the first year of growth.
Mulch the base of the tree. A 2- to 4-inch layer is ideal. More than 4 inches may cause a problem with oxygen and moisture levels. When placing mulch, be sure that the actual trunk of the tree is not covered. Doing so may cause decay of the living bark at the base of the tree. A mulch-free area, 1 to 2 inches wide at the base of the tree, is sufficient to avoid moist bark conditions and prevent decay.
Provide follow-up care. Keep the soil moist but not soaked; overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow or fall off. Water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. When the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue until mid-fall, tapering off for lower temperatures that require less-frequent watering.

Lackluster Lawns...

2010-05-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Now that the snow has melted, your lackluster lawn is showing. Want to improve the appearance of your lawn, but not sure where to start? GCH has a few spring lawn care tips to share with you.

Get out the Rake!
Spring raking removes winter debris and opens up the air spaces between grass plants allowing air to penetrate down into the crown to combat developing fungus problems. Raking also removes any dead or dying grass plants and is good for the health of the lawn.

Aerate that Lawn!
If your lawn is subjected to high levels of traffic year after year, it may eventually start to show signs of decline. In such cases, your lawn is probably suffering from compaction. Aeration is the remedy to compaction. For best results, aeration should be done once in the spring, before fertilization, and once in the fall, after de-thatching.

Toss the Seed!
Look at those bare patches! Many things cause bare patches, such as dog spots, heavy traffic or neglect. Apply grass seed to fill in those bare patches. Keep the grass seed well watered until established, and do not mow or walk on it for a month or so.

Feed the Green Beast!
Springtime calls for a fertilizer that's lighter on the nitrogen and a little heavier on the phosphorous will encourage good strong roots. Exercise restraint folks...use a light hand and a light nitrogren mix. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer will encourage outrageous top-growth to the detriment of your lawn's roots.

Mow High!
Mowing short is more stressful on grass than lighter cuts and allows the soil to dry out faster. Mowing higher allows more shade to the soil which leads to less watering; deeper roots which leads to less watering; thicker turf which leads to fewer weeds; slower growth which leads to less mowing.

Chores Chores Chores! Gutters & Downspouts.

2010-04-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Taking the time to clean, maintain, and repair downspouts and gutters can double or even triple the life of your roof drainage system. This can save you a lot of money on repair costs. It may prevent damage to your home’s interior due to flooding through the foundation and walls or leaks in the roof due to seepage of water.

Improper drainage due to poor roof pitch is one of the biggest causes of roof drainage problems. Improper drainage causes water to accumulate in certain spots in the gutters, ultimately building up debris and accelerating rust. Clogged gutters and downspouts can also be a big problem. Thoroughly clean all debris from the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. If there are a number of trees near your home, clean the gutters with a whisk broom even more often than twice a year. Carefully examine them in the spring just before the spring rains. Inspect them again in the fall when leaves, limbs and other debris might cause problems.

How To: Simple Compost Bin

2010-04-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Want to starting composting? We did, but didn't want to spend a large amount of cash on the pre-made bin found at most home improvement stores. By recycling or purchasing a plastic container with a secure lid, you can easily create your own bin in minutes. In fact it's so easy – you'll wonder why you didn't make one sooner. The bin will make compost quicker and cleaner than compost piles.

Recycle or buy a plastic pail/bin with a tight fitting lid. The bigger the storage bin is, the better...but choose the size that is right for you. Drill small holes in the bottom, sides, and lid of your container, one to two inches apart, for aeration and to help it decompose faster.
Place some shredded newspaper or dry leaves on the bottom of your compost bin. Add dirt from your garden on top of the newspaper, until your container is about half full.
Add any food scraps or paper products into compost such as tea bags, fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, egg shells, paper towels, etc. Anything you put into the bin should be chopped/shredded fairly small so it will break down quicker in the small space. After you add your food and paper scraps, simply mix your fertilizer until all of the food is covered in dirt.
Place your compost bin in a shady area away from your home in the back yard. Be sure your compost is not in full sun or your compost will dry out. Spray with water until moist, but not soaking wet...think wrung-out sponge.
Every other day or so, as you add food scraps to bin, you should give it a stir. Mixing the compost will help breakdown the scraps faster. If your pile starts to smell like anything other than fresh dirt, you may not have the right combo of 'greens' and 'browns'. If the contents of the bin are staying very wet, or there is an unpleasant odor coming from the bin, you'll need to add some shredded fall leaves, shredded newspaper, or sawdust to the bin (the browns). These will dry it out and help restore the ratio of greens to browns that makes compost happen more quickly. If the contents are very dry, use the spray bottle to moisten the contents, or add plenty of moisture-rich items such as fruits or veggies (the greens).

Wait about 2 months to use your compost. Your garden, flower beds, and container plants will benefit from the added nutrients and organic matter!

Green Garden!

2010-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

A few tips on using fewer pesticides and chemicals in your garden.

Hang some nesting boxes, put out some bird seeds and allow the birds to nest in an area near your garden. Didn't you know that birds can eat pests like snails and slugs. No chemicals required.
Leave some mulch lying near your garden in a pile. Soon the ground beetles will nest underneath it. Ground beetles will then eat many of your other gardening pests.
Allow some of your vegetables to go to flowers. The flower will attract the bumble bees, allowing for the pollination process to begin.
Want to try composting but don't think you have room for a big compost container? Try a small wormer instead. You add peelings to the wormer just as you would a composter. The worms will appear and break down your peelings into small amounts of garden compost. You can then use this compost as top dressings for your container plants.
Catch rain water in a rain container. You will need a container with a lid. If you can find one that also has a faucet, it will be easier for you to remove the water. Open the lid when it is raining to catch the water. Close when it isn't raining, so you do not cause a contamination of mosquitoes and to keep other things out of the water. You can then use the water for watering your plants and seedlings.

Spring Home Maintenance

2010-03-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ah...spring in almost upon us. We cannot forget about a few simple spring projects for our homes. These spring home maintenance tips are essential for problems not to build up. Home maintenance can save you big money on unnecessary repairs. With these home projects you can improve the longevity of your home.

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Rainwater Collection

2010-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

During dry months, 40 percent of the average household's water consumption goes to outdoor watering. Rather than needlessly draining that water out of the faucet, gather rainfall in a rain barrel connected to the gutter system—and use it to keep the lawn and garden green. Just an inch of rainfall on a 1,000-square-foot roof will accumulate over 600 gallons of fresh water. When picking out a barrel, here are a couple things to look for:

Choose a model topped with a mesh screen that will keep debris out of the barrel and a lid that prevents mosquitoes from using the water as a breeding ground when it's not raining.
Look for a barrel equipped with a side spigot where a hose can be attached and watering cans can be easily filled
Also, most rain barrels can hold up to sixty gallons of water, so make sure it's parked on a strong and steady surface.

Your Carbon Footprint

2010-03-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

First of all, what is a carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint:
1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.
2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

The average American's yearly carbon footprint is just about 20 tons, according to the United Nations; the global average is just a shade under 4 tons each year. This is not something we can be proud of for being first -- America is way, way out in front here, and that's a huge problem. Want to reduce your carbon footprint? The best place to start is with the heating and cooling systems, which account for 44 percent of the average home's energy use. Cut the energy used to cool and heat your home by 10 percent and you will have reduced your overall household energy use by 4.4 percent. (For the sake of comparison, a corresponding improvement in lighting efficiency will cut your energy use by 1.1 percent.)

What is your carbon footprint? Find out here: http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/

Making Home Affordable

2010-03-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has extended the government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program by 12 months. HARP’s new end date is June 30, 2011.

Originally known as Making Home Affordable, HARP aims to help Arizona homeowners refinance their mortgage who may otherwise be ineligible because of falling home values.

There are 4 basic HARP criteria every borrower must meet:

The existing home loan must be guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Your home must be a 1- to 4-unit property
You must have a perfect mortgage payment history going back 12 months. No 30-day lates allowed.
Your first mortgage balance must be 125% or less of your home’s market value

If you’re not sure whether Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac back your mortgage, you can look it up. Fannie’s website is http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup; Freddie’s is http://freddiemac.com/mymortgage. If you don’t locate your loan on either website, your mortgage is backed by a third-party and is not HARP-eligible.

For homeowners that meet HARP’s criteria, there are some underwriting details of which to be aware.

First, if your original mortgage does not require mortgage insurance, your HARP mortgage will not require it, either — regardless of your new loan-to-value.

Second, all HARP refinances require income verification. It doesn’t matter if your original mortgage was a stated income or no income verification loan. You should expect to produce 1040s and W-2s for your HARP refinance and asset statements, too.

And, lastly, second (and third) mortgages may not be “rolled in” to a new first mortgage loan balance. Junior lien holders must agree to remain in a junior lien position, regardless of combined loan-to-value.

There is a thorough HARP FAQ section on the government’s website, but it’s for general questions only. For specific Home Affordable Refinance Program information, first make sure you’re program-eligible, then pick up the phone to call your loan officer.

HARP is complex enough that you’ll want to talk with a human before taking a proper next step.

Tips for a Quick Home Sale in a Tough Market

2010-03-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a few tips to selling your house in a tough market.

1. You have to seriously undercut the competition.
Selling a home in a down market almost inevitably means settling for a disappointing price. But to unload your home fast, you're going to have to dip 10% to 15% below what comparable homes in your neighborhood recently sold for. You still may not be able to compete with foreclosures and short sales, but at least you stand a chance of getting buyers to notice your listing. To prevent yourself from becoming overly attached to your asking price, try to determine the lowest possible offer you'd accept before your listing hits the market. That will help remove your emotions from the negotiating process later on.

2. Outside fixes have the biggest impact.
Since your house won't be cheaper than the distressed property down the block, it has to look far better. But you may not have the time or money to redo the kitchen, so focus on cosmetic improvements that will bring the most buyers to your door. Spending a grand can go a long way toward improving your home's exterior. Get the outside of your house power-washed, paint the door, replace the knocker, and hire a gardener to give your yard some TLC.

3. First-timers are your friend.
The most efficient way to market your home is to target the most likely buyers. First-timers bought over half the homes purchased so far this year, thanks to a new federal tax credit and the flexibility to buy without the burden of selling another property (super-low mortgage rates don't hurt either). The average age of the first-time buyer: 30. To boost your chances of reaching the Gen-Y crowd, get yourself a snazzy online presence (see No. 4) and spread the word about your next open house through social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

4. Online tricks will make your home pop.
Buyers are faced with thousands of listings. Help them find yours by peppering your description with amenity keywords like "deck," "pool," and "granite counters". Then make sure they like what they see by using a wide-angle lens to make your rooms look bigger in pictures. And set your home at the lowest end of its price range; a $299,000 home will seem expensive to a buyer in the $250,000 to $300,000 range, but a $301,000 home is a deal to someone looking between $300,000 and $350,000.

5. Your secret weapon is a speedy deal.
It can take months for banks to approve a deal for a short sale or a foreclosed property. Make sure your agent lets potential buyers know that you can close the deal within a few weeks. Another advantage you hold over distressed sellers: the ability to be creative in negotiations. If a potential buyer is wavering, offer to pay part or all of the closing costs or cover a year's worth of association fees. At the very least, consider throwing in some new appliances or a paint job. After all, in this market no one is going to want a home that doesn't seem like a bargain.

Top 10 Inexpensive Repairs Before Selling

2010-03-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

When you put a home up for sale these days, you're facing stiff competition. In most parts of the country, buyers are faced with huge numbers of homes for sale. Before asking strangers to trade hundreds of thousands of their hard-earned dollars for your little palace, make all the little repairs you've always meant to do but never had the time for.

These 10 basic repairs will help prepare your house for a buyer's white-glove inspection:

1. Repair sagging screen doors and other entry red flags.
The entrance to your home is the key to first impressions. Make sure everything at the entrance is in working order. If the screen door is sagging, you'll probably have to install a new one, as aging aluminum parts often become too bent or broken to repair. Patrol the perimeter of your home, inspecting it with the critical eye of a stranger. Clear dead plants from flower beds, clip dead blossoms and stems, rake and haul the yard waste far away. A fresh coat of paint on the front door goes miles toward establishing a great first impression. Drive around for some inspiration and to see what colors prevail in your community. In some towns, a bright red door, or a deep plum, looks great. In others, it'll seem over the top. Forest green, navy blue and black can be great door colors. The front door need not match the exterior colors of your house and trim, only look good alongside them.

2. Spiff up the roof.
Missing shingles and hanging gutters broadcast a loud, scary signal to potential buyers. Get a roofer to replace any missing or broken shingles or roofing tiles. Moss growing on the roof signals neglect, so it's important to get it cleaned off. Ask a roofing expert to remove moss or to recommend someone who can. When hiring someone to work on your roof, it's crucial to check their recommendations. Amateurs can damage your roof with the careless use of a high-pressure power washer.

3. Clear and caulk gutters.
On a dry day, climb up on a ladder and clear all the debris out of the gutters so water can flow freely. While you're up there, recaulk the gutter end caps, aging caulk allows leaks to drain water down your home's siding. Get started by drying the clean gutter; the drier the aluminum, the better caulk will bond to its surface.

4. Patch nail holes and repaint.
Moving inside the house, you'll want to patch up nail holes in the walls. Ask at a hardware store for lightweight putty. Apply it with a putty knife and fill in each hole, scraping the excess off the wall. Following directions on the package, wait for it to dry. Then sand the putty until it's smooth and flush with the wall. Paint the repaired spots with primer. Call a handyman for anything bigger than a nail hole, as it's not easy to blend bigger repairs into the wall.

5. Check the smell of your house.
When strangers enter a home, the first thing they notice is the smell. Don't even try hiding behind scented candles, potpourri and plug-in room fragrances. Buyers, ever suspicious to problems, catch a whiff of those and conclude that you're hiding something. In the kitchen and bathrooms, deep clean with bleach, then regrout tiles and recaulk cracks between sinks, tubs, toilets, counters and floors to seal out the moisture that encourages the growth of smelly mold, mildew and bacteria.

6. Replace damaged vinyl flooring.
Inspect the vinyl flooring in your bathrooms. If it has discolored spots or is loose, moisture may be damaging the floor. You'll probably want a professional to lay the actual flooring, which could cost $400 or more. But you can save as much as half of the cost by preparing the floor yourself. Remove the baseboards by pulling them away from the walls with a small pry bar. Next, pull up the flooring using a larger pry bar -- it will be glued and nailed or stapled. Also remove the next layer, called the underlayment, made of particleboard or layered plywood. While your new floor is being installed, you can sand and repaint the baseboards so the whole job will look terrific when it's finished.

7. Reseal the toilet.
Not all flooring installers will remove and reinstall the toilet, something that must be done to replace the floor. Pulling the toilet yourself can save you money. With plumbers' fees running about $85 an hour (with a minimum hour and a half charge for a house call), you could save yourself $200 or more (for two trips) by pulling the toilet yourself. Even if you aren't replacing flooring, the seals may need replacing. How to tell? If the toilet rocks when someone sits down, or if the floor at the base is moist or discolored, the seal could be broken. Corroded nuts that hold the toilet to the floor are another sign that the toilet needs to be reinstalled. Before you begin, shut off the water supply at the faucet behind the toilet. Flush the toilet, holding down the handle to drain as much water as possible. Use a wrench to unscrew the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Don't move the toilet alone. Get a friend to help, because toilets are heavy and cumbersome, and the tanks are easily cracked. Prepare a bed of old cushions or towels in the bathtub and set the toilet there gently so any drips drain into the tub. At a hardware store, find two wax toilet seals (also called gaskets, about $3 apiece). One seal is conformed to fit into the sewer pipe; the second is a plain wax circle that you'll stack directly on top of the first. (Also at the store, purchase two new bolts -- about $1.50 each.) Back home, remove the old gaskets. Fit the new shaped gasket into the mouth of the sewer pipe first; put the second seal directly over it so the toilet fits into the space with no gaps. Lower the toilet over the seals. Screw in the new bolts, tighten them, reconnect the water supply and caulk the base of the toilet.

8. Stop faucet drips.
A dripping faucet calls attention to itself, and it's not hard to fix. Shut off the water supply to the faucets by turning the valves under the sink to the right. Then, test the faucet to make sure you've shut the water off completely. While you're looking under the sink, check for moisture on the wall around the valves and on the floor of the sink cabinet. Also check the supply lines leading to the dishwasher and disposal. If those areas are wet, get a plumber. If you've got a newer, rotating, single-arm faucet (through which both hot and cold water run), note the brand and purchase a faucet rebuild kit (roughly $50) at the hardware store. Inside the faucet arm is a metal ball on a stem that lets the handle swivel while allowing water to flow in any direction. The kit contains the six to 12 parts most likely to fail, including that metal ball, O rings, springs and gaskets. The idea is to replace them all rather than trying to diagnose the exact source of the problem. Dismantle the faucet, laying the parts out in order on a paper towel. Snap a photo or draw a sketch to help you with reassembly. Replace the old parts, put the faucet back together and turn the water back on. For older faucets with independent hot and cold water faucets, shut off the water under the sink as before then dismantle each of the sink's faucets separately. Remove the washers (rings made of rubber, plastic or brass), put them in a plastic sandwich bag and bring them to the hardware store to find replacements. Reassemble the faucets and turn the water back on.

9. Renew dinged baseboards.
Beat-up baseboards detract greatly from the appearance of your home, and they're easy to spiff up. First, clean them to remove scrapes and smudges left by clawing pets and toddlers on wheels. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge works great on painted surfaces. Fill in dents with spackle, sand the baseboards smooth and repaint them. If you've lost the name of the original paint color, chip off a coin-sized bit, slip it into an envelope and bring it to the paint store where you can have the color computer matched. Use primer before painting. Don't just retouch small areas; paint the entire piece of baseboard, from one end to the other. Choose a washable eggshell finish. White is a great choice for making baseboards and trim look crisp and clean.

10. Repair cabinet scratches.
You can quickly improve the look of unpainted woodwork and worn cabinets with an application of products that even out the surface color. Scratches on woodwork and cabinets can be covered with Old English Scratch Cover or a Tibet Almond Stick (you can find these at hardware and home-improvement stores). The almond stick goes on clear but covers scratches. The almond stick works best with shallow surface scratches on dark finishes. It doesn't work in every case, he says, and even a good result may fade with time and need to be reapplied periodically. Old English makes separate formulations for light or dark wood. These are oily stains, so use them carefully. Try out any products first in a corner where results will not be noticed. Do not use the dark stain on light wood. Finally, polish wood cabinets to a glow with lemon oil.

Electronics Recycling

2010-03-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Many computer, monitors, other electronics include toxic materials that should not sit in landfills, and you'd be surprised how many retailers and other companies will take your old gadgets for recycling.

Electronics Recycling FAQ:

1. HOW DO I PROTECT MY IDENTITY?
There are many tools available for erasing the data from your computer and cell phone. Symantec's Wipe Info in Norton Utilities and System Works will help on Windows PCs and Macs. Webroot Software Inc.'s Window Washer is another option for Windows, and Jiiva Inc.'s SuperScrubber is an alternative for Macs. For cell phones visit Recellular's website.

2. IS E-WASTE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS?
If properly disposed of, e-waste is not hazardous. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is an issue of resource conservation. In short, electronics contain many re-usable and valuable raw materials. However, if improperly disposed of or illegally dumped, electronics can pose a serious risk to the environment.

3. IS IT TRUE THAT E-WASTE IS EXPORTED BY "RECYCLERS" TO ASIA WHERE IT IS BROKEN DOWN IN HORRIFIC, PRIMITIVE OPERATIONS?
It is the responsibility of recyclers and exporters to ensure that the ultimate end use is certified, safe and environmentally friendly. The electronics industry is working to establish education programs with federal, state and local governments in order to teach small communities about the harm of unsafe recycling or repair operations and also provide laborers with safe working environments. The Basel Action Network (BAN) has developed the BAN Pledge of True Stewardship to recognize recyclers that meet certain standards and best management practices in the area of e-waste export. Check to see if your recycler has taken the BAN Pledge.

4. HOW CAN I DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT A RECYCLER IS "RESPONSIBLE?"
It is the ultimate responsibility of consumers (including small companies, counties, cities, manufacturers and purchasers) to perform due diligence to ensure that recyclers are operating in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. There are several recognized recycler certifications within the United States including by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER) and the International Association of Electronics Recyclers. Also, a number of responsible recyclers self-certify and promote their willingness to find a market-driven, safe way to recycle that responds to the needs of consumers, manufacturers and retailers alike.

It is important for consumers to demand that recyclers clearly explain the process by which they recycle in order to minimize impacts to the environment or to the community. The myGreenElectronics.org site can help you find local electronics recyclers.

The 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credits

2010-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

If you have been considering buying your first home or upgrading your current home, now is one of the best times in history. Not only is there an $8000 first time home buyer tax credit and a $6500 move-up credit, but we are also living in a very low interest rate environment. You do not want to let these opportunities pass you by.

First Time Home Buyer:
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.

For sales occuring after November 6, 2009, the income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer:
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010). The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. That is, both spouses must qualify as long-time residents, with at least five years of principal residency for each. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.

The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above those limits. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

The Great Exterior: Part II

2010-02-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

Adding flowers and plants to your front yard is the perfect way to add home curb appeal. And now is the perfect time to start planning your new landscape. A simple curb appeal landscaping tip is to add a border to your lawn that accents the shape and the size. Who doesn't love a sweeping pop of color accenting the beautiful green lawn? Plant flowers or add in a fence to help showcase the lawn. Get creative and surround the edges with a stone pathway and larger shrubs. Mix colorful displays of flowering shrubs combined with greenery. Accent areas of your lawn with groupings of brightly colored container plants. Add ornamental grass to planting beds, creating diversity in terms of form and texture. Be sure to always check the hardiness zone when purchasing plants. Choose plants that match your range. If you are unsure of your hardiness zone, check out the www.usna.usda.gov website.

Graham Custom Homes

2010-02-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

My grandfather started W.J. Graham construction along with his two sons in the 1960s.This gave me the opportunity to grow up in the construction business. Being the family business, this raised the bar to which I was held. My grandfather always said "If you're going to be a Graham you need to do things better than anyone else." I have always lived by what he told me, and I am proud to be continuing the tradition.

During the years working for my family I've done everything, from pushing a broom to framing, trim, cabinetry and custom woodworking. This job, which eventually has become my passion started with my family when I was fourteen. Over the years, understanding every aspect of home construction and staying on the forefront of technology and trends has been my goal.

In January of 2000 I began building homes in the Steamboat area. Since then we have built 20+ custom homes, all of exceptional quality and value. Working within our customer's budget to create a home with the maximum value is always our goal. I have an extensive knowledge of the design process (my father is a draftsman), which allows me to value engineer most projects for maximum efficiency and cost savings.

Our passion is to continue evolving as a contractor, creating ever more unique and inspiring homes. As our customer, you can expect a long term relationship, with our commitment to surpassing your expectations.

Our Olympic Spirit

2010-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is truly an amazing town. We are extremely proud of our Olympic heritage. A recent Olympian send-off party brought out 5,000 locals to wish our hometown heroes "good luck". The Bud Werner Library is currently hosting the "Our Winter Olympic Tradition" display, with a focus on our Winter Olympics history, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club history, and current Steamboat Springs athletes to look for in the 2010 games.

Steamboat is known around the globe simply as Ski Town, USA and has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America, now a record 76 and counting. This year we sent 17 Steamboat athletes to compete at the 2010 Games in Vancouver. In December, Steamboat Springs was the site for the U.S. Olympic trials. Park Smalley, considered the “godfather of freestyle skiing” has made his home in Steamboat Springs since 1976. The Park Smalley Freestyle Complex was the training ground for the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Olympic Freestyle teams and the last stop for the US Freestyle teams before going to the winter games. It is also the site of several World Cup events as well as Olympic qualifying events. The Canadian Freestyle team also trained there before heading to Utah for the 2002 Olympics.

Steamboat is also home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the country's oldest and most successful clubs, as well as Howelsen Hill. Howelsen Hill boasts a remarkable heritage. It is the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado, and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. Howelsen Hill was recently acknowledged as a "Pioneer Ski Resort" by the International Skiing History Association and the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame.

Take a weekend to visit Ski Town, USA and take part in our Olympic Spirit.

Perfect Investment Property ~ Single Family Home in Steamboat. Great ROI.

2010-02-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Comparable homes in this area are on the market for $650,000+. For only $470,000, you can buy this move-in ready home and have built in equity! This custom single-family home was created by one of Steamboat’s top custom home builders. Inside, you will find granite and marble counter tops, hickory floors, and slate and travertine tile throughout. The kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances, gorgeous granite counters, and a center island perfect for entertaining! Main floor master suite with his/her vanities and a luxurious custom, slate shower. In addition to the remaining two bedrooms and second full bath, the upstairs features a bonus room - perfect as a playroom, kid's study space, or small library. The full lower level walk-out offers a variety of options. Previously used as a media room, you could custom outfit this space for a home gym, teen hang-out, or game room. Plus - an additional unfinished 480 sq ft has been plumbed & framed for a possible in-law suite or second master suite! Corabond insulation, in-floor heat, and many quality finishes combine to create a home with incredible value.

This beautiful custom home is located only 20 minutes from the world renowned Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. Steamboat Springs lies in the Yampa Valley in the N.W. Colorado Rockies at a base elevation of 6,700ft. Every winter the mountain receives an average of over 350 inches of snow. In 2007/08 a record snowfall of 489 inches was recorded. With legendary beautiful tree-lined trails covering its four peaks, Steamboat is one of the finest ski areas in the US. Perfect for the nature lover, food & wine connoisseur, or those seeking a carefree lifestyle. The town of Steamboat Springs boasts a top-notch school system, fabulous restaurants, upscale spas, and a unique old-town experience. Located in a very private, well maintained cul-de-sac, this home backs to open space providing privacy and majestic mountain views. Within two minutes, you will find yourself at Stagecoach Reservoir enjoying some of Colorado’s best gold-metal waters. Step outside your front door to indulge that carefree lifestyle -fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating.

MLS#: 125153 @ http://www.thepaoligroup.com/
Motivated seller.
$470,000, 3 bed, 2 bath + powder room, 2495 sq ft.
Contact Chris Paoli at 970.819.1432 (mobile) or chris@mybrokers.com.

The Great Exterior

2010-02-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

Curb appeal – that is what it’s all about! When it comes to increasing the market value of your home and attracting potential buyers, the landscape around the house is the icing on the cake. Not only can the landscape increase the real estate value of your home, but putting focus on curb appeal can help your home sell faster. Many older houses are overgrown with large ragged foliage that obscures the house and may provide a dark and dreary atmosphere. Some easy ideas: Trim back large plants to expose the house. Adding small accent plants around the yard can make the yard appear more groomed. If your lawn suffers from poor upkeep or bare spots, consider rock or foliage gardens to cover the affected areas.

The Great Remodel: Part III

2010-02-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of ways to alter a home, from simple improvement projects to the high-end additions. Should you pay for a kitchen overhaul, adding an island, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances? Or would you be better off painting the room and sticking new doors on the cabinets? Will a new deck raise the value of your home or simply be a perk you enjoy as long as you live in the house? ROI (return on investment) should play a part in your remodeling plan. In a nutshell, it's how much money you could recoup when you sell.

There are many factors to consider when making the decision to give your house a face-lift. Location is always a key issue—not only the neighborhood, but which part of the country. Some improvements are popular with buyers regardless of the region, while others seem to be in higher demand in certain areas of the U.S. More often than not, sellers can get back a substantial percentage of their outlay for a variety of well-executed improvements in different parts of the country if they keep the market in mind.

Kitchens and bathrooms generally tend to recoup their cost. Those are widely appealing to the marketplace, and they tend to be more standard in form. If you're looking to get your money back when you sell, it's a good idea to avoid designs that are unusual. Buyers look for a place they can move right into and call their own. When you detour too far from the values of the typical home buyer, you shrink the pool of potential buyers. Features that are really customized to the homeowners may not appeal to as wide an audience.

Remodel to existing standards. Look around at other houses in your neighborhood to see what is popular. If the average home in your neighborhood has 2.5 baths and your house has 1.5, adding another bathroom could net you a better return than the average when selling. Check into what renovations net the highest return in your region and use that information as a basic plan for your remodel.

The Great Remodel : Part II

2010-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sell? Increase square footage? Remodel? Big questions. The fact of the matter is...it costs less to finish unfinished spaces than to add on to your home. Finishing the basement will give you a new space to live in, while adding to the value of your home. Before making any firm plans, you'll want to check a few things. First, make sure radon levels aren't above recommended levels. Second, determine that your basement is suitable for finishing. To be suitable for finishing, the basement must stay dry, even in a rainy year.

What to do with the basement?

Mud room: Mudrooms are the thing for active families. They typically encompass a practical, second entrance where wet boots, umbrellas, and coats are deposited to dry off. Extra clutter such as an overflow of mail or laundry gets dropped off here as well, and families with dogs have a convenient place to let furry friends dry off. A mudroom can be sectioned off from the basement with a wall and door.

Home Office: One of the most important points to consider when planning a home office is privacy. When your business and your family share the same roof, it is vital to keep your home life from interfering with your business and vice-versa. This is why the basement is so often considered the best place in the house for a home office.

Game Room: If you have an empty, finished basement, you can create a game room that everyone can enjoy. If you have young kids, or adults who still think they are kids, there are a variety of ways to turn the entire basement into an exciting, fun-filled recreation area.

Wine cellar: If you have a passion for fine wine and would like to have numerous wines on hand to mature or to have right away, then you might want to build a wine cellar. When building a wine cellar, the wine cellar must be designed and constructed like a refrigerator, so check with a pro.

Theater Room: Why drive to a movie theater, spend money on tickets and concessions when you can watch crystal-clear video and hear pristine audio in the comfort of your home? An advantage to building your own home theater room is that you can utilize all the latest and greatest technologies.

Second Master Suite: Whether you have frequent house guests, have aging parents that are joining your household, or adult kids returning home -- a second master suite can add comfort and value to a home. With a private bathroom and a large closet, the second master suite can meet a variety of needs in changing households.

The Great Remodel

2010-02-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

Winter is the perfect time of year to itemize what changes you'd like to make in your house. Take a day to sit and make a list of what you'd like changed, from new throw rugs to a complete remodel. If a remodeling job is on your list and you want to begin as soon as the weather warms, start talking to contractors now. If you just bought a home, live in it for a full year before you undertake a major remodel. Watch how your house interacts with its environment through spring, summer, fall and winter. This will help you decide what you truly need.

The five keys to a successful project:

1. The Budget - Knowing your budget and sticking to it is key. A great design will fall short if you run out of cash and have to settle for lower grade products.

2. The Timeline - Remodeling is a series of interconnected events, so a delay in one can cause a domino effect that impacts the schedule/cost. Talk with your contractor about how to keep everything on track.

3. The Right Contractor - Take time to hire the right contractor, electrician, painter, etc. Check references and visit other places that showcase their work.

4. The Objective - Why are you remodeling? If you plan to stay in the home forever, spend a little more on appliances or a whirlpool tub. If you plan to move soon, don't spend money on items others won't appreciate.

5. The Contracts and Permits - You should have a written contract or estimate (on small jobs) before any work is done. A permit is needed for modest to large projects and when making some structural, electrical, roofing, and plumbing changes (see your local town for details).

Life in Steamboat Springs

2010-01-29T08:23:00.001-08:00

Steamboat Springs is located in northwest Colorado in the Routt National Forest of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A perfect getaway for anyone and everyone. Steamboat's western authenticity can be seen throughout the town in the working cattle ranches that still surround the resort, the locals' casual lifestyle and down home friendliness.

Steamboat Springs, which bears the trademarked name "Ski Town USA," has several things that set it apart from other Colorado ski towns. First, there's the snow, which is among the driest and deepest in the country, "Champagne Powder". The mountain catches the state's blizzards as well as those that hit Utah and Wyoming and has averaged more than 400 inches of snow the past two winters.

The resort also is a family-friendly destination, ranked best in North America by SKI magazine. In addition to the major Steamboat resort, with its acclaimed children's instruction programs, the municipally owned Howelsen Hill has long been a training ground for local kids and future Olympians. Both offer specials aimed at children. Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympians than any U.S. town. The region is famous for its mineral hot springs, particularly the natural setting of the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which is located seven miles outside of town. There are also hot springs located downtown at the Steamboat Health and Recreation, which provides three hot pools for relaxing and swimming laps, all of which are naturally heated. Steamboat Springs also offers fantastic summer activities as well. Outdoor enthusiasts are captivated by the breathtaking vistas and wide open ranch lands which are home to infinite hiking and horse riding trails, renowned golf courses, tranquil fly fishing streams and, of course, the secluded hot springs. Adrenaline junkies relish in whitewater rafting, kayaking and mountain biking adventures!

The final attraction is the town itself, just over 2 miles from the ski resort. People come because they saw the mountain ranked top five by the ski magazines, but then they find themselves enthralled with the town. Lincoln Avenue is the main drag, and it has a traditional Main Street setup. Shopaholics and foodies head downtown to one of the more authentic towns in the Rockies to splurge on bona fide cowboy boots, sip a freshly squeezed margarita or sample the local culinary delights. Take time to discover Steamboat's cultural side at the Strings in the Mountains Music Festival and the Steamboat Wine Festival. Little and big kids alike will tell you that Steamboat is their destination of choice because of the free family friendly events to choose from every weekend.

Take a weekend to experience the Steamboat lifestyle. You may find yourself captivated.

Green Remodeling

2010-01-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Components of Green Remodeling Energy conservation:

Energy Conservation: The average home today utilizes systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and most homes are not built as efficiently as they could be, all of which results in high energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year. Green remodeling puts a strong emphasis on making homes as efficient as possible with modifications like energy efficient appliances and thermostats that can be programmed at different temperatures for different times of the day.

Indoor air quality: There are many sources that contribute to the air quality inside a home. They include pollutants brought in from the outside, toxic chemicals existing inside the home, and the activities of the occupants that create pollutants. Major contributors are tobacco smoke, smoke from the burning of wood, coal, kerosene or other such substances, toxic fumes from sealants or chemicals from cleaning products, lead paint, asbestos from insulation, damp carpets or fabrics, and certain pressed-wood furniture products that release chemicals into the air. Green remodeling seeks to remedy these problems with things like better ventilation systems and using wood, paint, and sealants that are nontoxic.

Reduced material waste and resource conservation: When remodeling a home, there is often a large amount of construction waste. This amounts to 136 million tons of waste annually, according to the EPA, which in turn makes up 20% of the waste in landfills. Green remodeling focuses on reducing this waste during remodeling and reusing materials whenever possible, as 85 to 90% of materials thrown out can be recycled. Using local materials, building with engineered lumber, and using recycling companies to remove waste are all ways this can be achieved during remodeling.

Environmentally safe products: Many products and practices used in the remodel of a home have negative effects on the environment. From chemicals and materials that pollute the air to the disturbing of the surrounding landscape, a myriad of actions taken can cause harm. With green, care is given to minimizing or eliminating products that could cause harm to the environment or the occupants during remodeling or after.

Overall green remodeling proves to be very beneficial for homeowners. It:

Reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency
Conserves natural resources
Increases the value of the home
Improves indoor air quality and in turn, overall health
Reduces waste
Reduces emissions costs
Increases productivity of occupants
Improves quality of life

Non-toxic paints and sealants
Programmable thermostats
Energy efficient appliances
Natural flooring
Local building materials
Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
Energy efficient lighting
Insulated hot water pipes
Tankless water heaters
Quality insulation
Native plants for landscaping

Dryer Vents and Carbon Monoxide

2010-01-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

2010-01-26T11:28:00.001-08:00

Many elderly people are quite capable of living on their own well into their later years. But even with the ability to live alone, some measures should be taken to ensure their safety, and to prevent needless accidents and illness from occurring. A driveway or path might need to be cleared. Errands might need to be taken care of and it is easy to run low on food and essentials. A sudden storm might find one out of a vital medication. During a really severe storm an electric outage could put an elderly person, without heat, perhaps without a telephone, in real danger. A phone call, a knock on the door, and some real help might make all the difference for someone, especially someone living alone.

If someone you know is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, you should make plans now to ensure their needs are met during severe winter weather and possible power outages. Help them stock a home disaster kit including a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable foods, essential medicines, and extra blankets or sleeping bags. Check on them after a storm or power outage. Register them as a special needs customer with their utility so they will become a priority customer. Notify others who could provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends and local emergency responders such as the fire department. Have a list of emergency numbers readily available. Have a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of the safety rules for its use.

Winter Weekend Improvements

2010-01-20T08:27:00.001-08:00

Six simple, inexpensive projects to consider for a winter home improvement lineup.

1. Good lighting is critical, especially in the dining area. The right chandelier sets the tone and makes a dramatic impact. Think universal appeal. In other words, don't go all Liberace if your house is country-style. Also, beware of an oversize or undersize fixture, which can make the room seem out of proportion. Use your dining table as a judge: The chandelier's diameter should be 12 inches less than the table's width.

2. Spend a day finding a place for everything. Invest in a good garage cabinet that will enable you to organize tools, hardware and other garage items neatly. This will help keep clutter out of sight and allow residents in the home to find everything when needed. Another inexpensive way to declutter a garage is by installing large wall hooks, which help get bikes, lawn implements and other items off the ground and onto the walls.

3. Do you have an odd nook that otherwise would seem like wasted space - say, under the stairwell or alongside the fireplace - or you need to add dimension and character to a room that lacks any architectural detailing. Hardwoods like oak and mahogany are sturdier and more appealing than cheaper fiberboard and particleboard. Fixed shelves are beloved by realtors and designers for their clean look (no unsightly brackets). As for color, aim for innocuous - natural woods or woods painted off-white or beige are best.

4. Make your laundry room into a restful spot by organizing non-seasonal clothing into labeled storage bins, adding a candle or picture, or installing a comfortable chair with favorite reading materials where one can relax while waiting for the next load of laundry to finish. Adding wall hooks, inexpensive wire shelving and other storage container units can make the room seem like a whole new place.

5. Add a new tile backsplash to your kitchen. Ever-stylish white tile will brighten up the space. Even if you can't afford a full kitchen renovation, small changes like inexpensive tile will give your space a nearly instant nip/tuck effect.

6. Focusing on a small room enables homeowners to feel a sense of accomplishment when a project is complete. A bathroom is perfect for a small winter home improvement project. Whether replacing a tub, sink and/or toilet or simply choosing new area rugs, towels and other bathroom accessories, the area of the room is small, making it a perfect room to start and finish on a cold winter weekend.

Electrical Fire Prevention Tips

2010-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires. Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. The home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.

Safety Precautions:

Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
Whey buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Green Remodeling

2010-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know that residential demolition and remodeling account for over 50 millions tons of debris going to landfills every year? Building materials reuse is one of the most sustainable activities associated with our built environment. Deconstruction is the practice of disassembling a building in such a way that the materials (joists, flooring, siding, fixtures, and more) can be reused for new construction. Deconstruction is a cost competitive alternative to conventional building demolition.

By reusing building materials, many environmental and social benefits can be realized, including:

Reducing the consumption of new resources
Minimizing landfill waste and pollution.
Creating value-added markets from waste materials.
Expanding job opportunities and workforce development skills

The Building Materials Reuse Association website has a directory of members that accept donations of reusable building materials and then resells them to the public at great prices. www.bmra.org/listings/directory-map

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

2010-01-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Remodeling? Practice the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. Dispose of what's left in the most environmentally friendly way. We are big fans of the Habitat for Humanity Restores. Habitat ReStores are outlets that accept donated goods for resale. While every ReStore is a little different, most focus on home improvement goods—furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances. These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat homes within their communities. Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated by local retailers, contractors and individuals in the community. ReStores provide an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream and simultaneously provide funding for all of Habitat’s community improvement work. Locate a Habitat for Humanity affiliate near you to donate old appliances, fixtures, and furniture. www.habitat.org/cd/local/

The Low-Flow Venture

2010-01-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Starting in 1995, The National Energy Policy Act mandated that all new toilets had to be low flow toilets using no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This volume is less than half the water used by toilets in the 1980s. Toilets consume an average of 20.1 gallons of water per person, per day. That’s nearly 30 percent of an average home’s daily per-person indoor water use. Upgrading from a 3.5 gpf (gallons per flush) toilet to a 1.6 gpf model will reduce one person’s annual water use from 27,300 gallons to 12,500 gallons.

The first low flow toilets were made by adding water-saving modifications to a standard design toilet. These modifications would reduce the overall use of water, but they had a reduced flush force which met with a lot of customer dissatisfaction. But 1.6 gpf ultralow-flow toilets have improved dramatically since then.

Low flow toilets have evolved once again with the introduction of the dual-flush toilets. The dual-flush gives you a choice: push one button for flushing liquid waste (.8 gallons of water) and another for solid waste (1.6 gallons). Caroma pioneered the dual-flush system to help conserve water, but they made it efficient, too. The gaping 4-inch trapway on the Caroma helps ensure that when you go so does your waste. And although it is a gravity-assist flush system, it doesn't use the siphonic action of traditional toilets, in which waste is pulled out of the bowel after the water. Caroma uses a wash-down system: there's very little water in the deep bowl; most of it comes cascading down from the tank through the rim of the bowl. Find out more about Caroma's high efficiency toilets at http://www.caromausa.com/toilets.

Winter Survival : The Car Kit

2010-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Winter coat, hat, and gloves; ideally a blanket (or more than one) as well
First-aid kit
Some non-perishable food such as granola bars, or crackers; even just some hard candy can help
Strike anywhere matches in a water-tight container
Candles and an empty coffee can to melt snow; a cup is a good idea as well
Flashlight with extra batteries
Small tool kit or at least an all purpose tool
Shovel
Jumper cables
Tire chains

During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Don't forget to prepare your car for winter.

Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.

GCH wishes you many safe travels!

Make disaster planning top priority this year!

2010-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

What if a disaster should strike in your area? Are you prepared with the basic housewares? Many such products are often overlooked but could be very crucial in times of extended power outages, evacuations or other disasters. Here's a list of housewares that should be included in your household emergency kit:

Sufficient drinking water for every family member for 3 to 4 days
First Aid Kit
Special medications your family members would need for a few days
One blanket for every family member
Flashlight, at least one, but preferable two, with spare batteries.
Manual can opener.
Basic cutlery, to prepare simple meals, as well as for your family to use.
Plastic containers for water.
Small amount of either plastic or tin plates and cups.
An assortment of non-perishable foods to sustain your family for 2-3 days
A transistor radio with spare batteries

Products for use in case of emergencies should form part of your emergency kit which can be stored in a plastic storage bin until needed. It should be ready at a moment's notice, so it's a good idea to purchase these specifically for the disaster kit, and resist the temptation to borrow periodically from it. Also check your local, provincial, state or federal agencies for their emergency preparedness plans, which will be tailored to your special climate or area conditions.

Weary Windows

2010-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install Energy Star windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the Sun Belt, look into low-e windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%.

If your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e or spectrally selective). In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.

Here are a few shopping tips when purchasing your new windows:

Look for the ENERGY STAR label.
Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.
High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.
Remember, the lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.
Low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.
In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.
Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
Have your windows installed by trained professionals. Be sure they're installed according to manufacturer's instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.

Lowering Your Energy Bill This Winter

2009-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Earth-Friendly Floor Covering

2009-12-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Looking for earth-friendly floor covering? The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) launched its Green Label program to test carpet, cushions and adhesives to help specifiers identify products with very low emissions of VOCs. CRI designed the Green Label and Green Label Plus programs for architects, builders, specifiers and facility mangers who want assurances that carpet and adhesive products meet the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions Using scientifically established standards, the Green Label Plus program symbolizes the carpet industry’s commitment to a better environment for living, working, learning and healing. Look for this label to ensure you are purchasing among the lowest emitting carpet, adhesive, and cushion products on the market.

Dynamic Domotics!

2009-12-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Miffed About Mold?

2009-12-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

There is always some mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Research has linked indoor mold exposure with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.

The key to mold control is moisture control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. If you do find mold, it can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Dry the area completely. Be sure to open windows and doors to provide fresh air and wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

Remember to keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements. Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow. Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding. Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Rollicking Recycling

2009-12-14T08:46:00.001-08:00

There always seems to be a lot to clean up after Christmas. Wrapping paper, packaging that gifts came in and more. These items were barely used and are now ready for the trash, and the landfill. How can you deal with it all and make the most eco-friendly choices? Many types of wrapping paper are not recyclable because of foil, dying processes or tape stuck to it. One way to combat this is to buy wrapping paper made specifically from recycled content. You can feel better buying it, and can probably recycle or compost it when you are done. Another option is to make your own gift wrap from butcher paper or brown kraft paper. Get the family together to create your own designs - use crayons, markers or mixed media. Get creative and have fun, this is a great family activity. Let your kids help with all of it and explain why it's important to not just throw everything away.

Dreaded Ice Dams

2009-12-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Ice dams sometimes occur on sloping roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in your attic is above freezing, it causes snow on the roof to melt and run down the sloping roof. When the snowmelt runs down the roof and hits the colder eaves, it refreezes. If this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt builds up and forms a dam of ice, behind which water ponds. The ponding water can back up under the roof covering and leak into the attic or along exterior walls. Research shows keeping the attic air temperature below freezing when the outside air temperature is in the low 20s can reduce the occurrence of ice dams. Research has shown sun exposure in the winter has little effect on attic air temperature. Warm air from living spaces below penetrating into the attic is usually the culprit in the formation of ice dams.

Condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in attics can cause attic wood products to rot, which can lead to costly repairs. Condensation typically occurs when warm, moist air migrates into the attic from living spaces below. Research indicates unusually high humidity levels in the home's living spaces is strongly associated with attic condensation problems. Building codes have some requirements that attempt to prevent the problems of ice dams and attic condensation. But codes do not address all the issues, and many houses are built without following building codes. It is the builder or designer's job to understand the relationship of humidity and air movement when designing and constructing the house so these problems don't occur.

Some of problems experienced with ice dams: leaking roof (height of leak depends on extent of ice dam); wet, ineffective insulation; stained or cracked plaster or drywall; rotting timber; stained, blistered or peeling paint.

A few tips to help with the ice dam battle: Prevent warm, moist air in living spaces from infiltrating into the attic with a good air barrier and appropriate water vapor control at the base of the attic. Provide good attic ventilation to replace warm air in the attic with cold outside air. Provide adequate attic insulation to reduce the transmission of heat into the attic from living spaces below.

2009-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to rifle through your dreaded attic, looking for last year's holiday decorations. While you are up there, take some time to make a visual inspection of your attic. First, check the roof and gable vents to make sure they are clear because the screens can act like lint traps. These vents are paramount because they keep the attic cool during summer. You don't want to get stuck checking these vents in the summer, when temperatures can soar into the 100s. In cold climates, a combination of high, inside relative humidity (60% or above) and low outside temperature (30 degrees F or below) may cause condensation on the underside of the roof sheathing. Condensation develops from a combination of high relative humidity and temperature differentials. Condensation cannot form when the relative humidity is low, or the temperature is high. Even in moderate climates with high relative humidity, the day-night temperature cycle, combined with high humidity, may cause condensation on the underside of the roof sheathing. The result is a series of problems such as wet (and consequently less effective) insulation, wood decay, and peeling paint. These conditions may go unnoticed until considerable damage has been done.

Just take a few moments and double check your vents. Remember that unobstructed vents allow moist air to escape from the attic in cold weather, lessening the possibility of condensation and mildew in the attic. While you're up there, check for wasp nests and other signs of pests. During the winter months, wasps are dormant and their nests are easier to remove.

Solar Water Heaters + Federal Tax Credit

2009-12-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use, sunshine, is free.

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it's best to have a qualified, solar thermal systems contractor install your system.

If placed in service by Dec. 31, 2016, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit!

A Griswold Christmas?

2009-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

We all know you want to emulate Clark W. Griswold's family home during the holiday season. With the new LED lights, you actually can afford to do it...LEDs use only 10% of the electricity required to power traditional incandescent. LEDs are constructed from tiny solid-state chips similar to those used in computers. These chips directly convert electricity to light without the use of a filament or glass bulb. (Standard incandescent bulbs create light by transmitting electricity through a resistant filament which creates heat. A bi-product of the heat created is light.) LED lights encapsulate solid-state chips in solid epoxy plastic that can be made into a variety of shapes and sizes.

One of the great things about the LED lights is the safety factor. These lamps are nearly indestructible - high-quality LED lights can withstand the force of a tractor trailer without breaking. The lamps also remain cool to the touch. Because holiday lighting is often used in close proximately to combustible materials (dry evergreen trees) this feature can greatly reduce the risk of holiday fires. You ever have a bulb burn out, only to spend the next three hours searching for the culprit? Three words for you: solid state reliability. No longer will you have to worry about one lamp ruining your whole string.

As you plan your outdoor work of art, take a moment to check the new offerings in home adornment.

The Living Christmas Tree

2009-12-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

We love the idea of a new eco-friendly family tradition of a Living Christmas Tree. Which means, instead of buying a typical cut tree this Christmas, buy a live Christmas tree with roots, then plant your Christmas tree after the holiday is over. With a living Christmas tree, not only do you skip the sad annual tree-killing bit, but you also skip out on the consumerist production and disposal that is involved in both plastic and cut trees. Most importantly, however, you can rest easy knowing that your live tree will be producing oxygen and filtering carbon dioxide to make the world a better place. Think about how long it takes your beautiful 12 foot cut pine tree to reach its mature state – only to go spend 3 weeks in your living room turning brown before it gets tossed in the dump. The whole industry of cut trees is pretty sad – even considering that those trees were grown specifically to be Christmas trees. Local nurseries and garden centers have excellent selections of living trees during the holiday season, from table size trees to six to seven foot, room size trees, many of which are already planted in containers. Our living Christmas tree, purchased from a local home improvement store, looks beautiful with the seasonal decorations, and will be even more amazing planted in the yard after the holiday is over.

The History of Graham Custom Homes

2009-12-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Steamboat Springs Custom Mtn Home for Sale!

2009-12-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Recent price reduction put this house $100K under market value. $515,000 for your private mountain get-away! Built in 2003, this 3 bedroom, 2 and ½ bath custom single-family home was created by one of Steamboat’s top custom home builders. This beautiful custom home is located only 20 minutes from the world renowned Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. Steamboat Springs lies in the Yampa Valley in the N.W. Colorado Rockies at a base elevation of 6,700ft. Every winter the mountain receives an average of over 350 inches of snow. In 2007/08 a record snowfall of 489 inches was recorded. With legendary beautiful tree-lined trails covering its four peaks, Steamboat is one of the finest ski areas in the US. Perfect for the nature lover, food & wine connoisseur, or those seeking a carefree lifestyle. The town of Steamboat Springs boasts a top-notch school system, fabulous restaurants, upscale spas, and a unique old-town experience.

Located in a very private, well maintained cul-de-sac, this home backs to open space providing privacy and majestic mountain views. Within two minutes, you will find yourself at Stagecoach Reservoir enjoying some of Colorado’s best gold-metal waters. Step outside your front door to indulge that carefree lifestyle -fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating. Inside, you will find granite and marble counter tops, hickory floors, and slate and travertine tile throughout. The kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances, gorgeous granite counters, and a center island perfect for entertaining! Main floor master suite with his/her vanities and a luxurious custom, slate shower. In addition to the remaining two bedrooms and second full bath, the upstairs features a bonus room - perfect as a playroom, kid's study space, or small library. The full lower level walk-out offers a variety of options. Previously used as a media room, you could custom outfit this space for a home gym, teen hang-out, or game room. Plus - an additional unfinished 480 sq ft has been plumbed & framed for a possible in-law suite or second master suite! Corabond insulation, in-floor heat, and many quality finishes combine to create a home with incredible value.

MLS#: 125153 Motivated seller!
$50k reduction. $100k under market value.
$515,000, 3 bed, 2 bath + powder room, 2495 sq ft.
Contact Chris Paoli at 970.819.1432 (mobile) or chris@mybrokers.com to view this fantastic home.

GCH Projects : Deer Clover

2009-11-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

Traditions : WJ Graham

2009-11-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Graham legacy began 61 years ago in Evergreen, Colorado. As with everything, the six decades since have brought about many changes in the industry, technology, architectural styles, and décor trends. Happily a few things have remained constant – the Graham passion to continue creating ever more unique and inspiring homes and the commitment to surpassing the client’s expectations.

An excerpt from W.J. Graham’s mission statement: “When I began this company in 1948, a good builder was personally involved with every detail in a new house from the foundation to the cabinets. We took great pride in knowing all the skills and we worked closely with the other craftsmen to make sure everything fit together perfectly. We’ve tried many different approaches to building custom homes since then but we always come back to personally supervising everything. The crews respect our ability to solve problems and make things work together. This knowledge, along with our meticulousness, is what sets us apart from other builders. We enjoy working with people…being a part of the fulfillment of their personal dreams and desires…and would like the opportunity to become a part of your new home project.”

As a third generation master builder, Josh carries on his grandfather’s tradition of integrity and perfection. As his grandfather always said "If you're going to be a Graham you need to do things better than anyone else." Words that have shaped Josh’s career and to which he has strived to continue the Graham family legacy.