” …today’s American kitchen — no longer a place to simply cook and eat, it’s now the “real” living room — a place for living, working and entertaining.
Given the current recession, it’s no surprise that consumers are saving rather than spending. And when they do spend, they’re doing so from cash on hand; rather than credit,” said Jack Suvak, senior director of research and insights, Moen. “This change in spending behavior has had a dramatic impact on remodeling projects. Most homeowners are choosing to perform ‘room lifts’ — small updates to personalize a room — rather than undertake major remodels.
…Plus, homeowners are choosing to personalize renovations to fit their needs, rather than update a room for the next family that will be living in the house. In the kitchen, this might include everything from creating solutions that better integrate the management of electronic devices…to creating ‘kid level’ storage areas…to adding safety features for aging boomers.”
Except from: MOEN… New Research Finds Homeowners are Renovating to Create “Live-In Value;” Rather than to Sell – April 26, 2011
Here’s a Handyman Tip: Whether you Do-it-Yourself or decide to hire a professional handyman, carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter, tile installer or general contractor…
Create a Plan and a Realistic Budget.
The plan should be influenced by your lifestyle and your personal style (Look at images in publications for ideas until you have a heartfelt “yes. that’s it!”) Creating a realistic budget does not necessarily mean sacrifice… often it means being a smart shopper. ( Shop sales in stores in person or online as well a internet sites such as ebay.com, Amazon.com, lowes.com, homedepot.com and more).
If you plan to Do-it-Yourself ( DIY) be honest with yourself about your skills and do what you can and get help with the rest.
Video by: New Owens Corning EcoTouch™ PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation with PureFiber™ Technolgy helps you save money and energy while helping save the planet. Using sustainable manufacturing processes this new EcoTouch™ PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation is made with natural* materials and a formaldehyde-free formulation delivering peace of mind. And it has a minimum of 70%** recycled content, the highest in the industry. – http://insulation.owenscorning.ca/ecotouch/ Excerpt from YouTube
Sealing and Insulating are often the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient — and you can do it yourself with guidance from ENERGY STAR.
Attic air sealing and adding insulation are do-it-yourself projects if your attic is accessible and not too difficult to move around in. The projects recommended in this guide can usually be completed in a day or two and will provide benefits for years to come. If upon inspection of your attic you find any of the conditions listed to the left, we recommend you consider hiring a contractor to correct these problems before proceeding.
Wet or damp insulation indicating a leaky roof
Moldy or rotted attic rafters or floor joists indicating moisture problems
Kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer vents that exhaust moist air directly into the attic space instead of outdoors
A history of ice dams in the winter (an indication of serious air leaks)
Little or no attic ventilation
Knob and tube wiring (pre-1930), which can be a fire hazard when in contact with insulation
If you have many unsealed and uninsulated recessed “can” lights, special care must be taken when insulating around these fixtures
Have a Plan in Place
The key to any successful home improvement project is adequate planning. Gather all your tools and supplies before you begin to minimize trips in and out of the attic. Be sure that the work area is well-lit by using a drop light, and keep a flashlight handy.
Prepare to Get Dirty
The entire process of sealing your attic will be made easier if you take the time and effort to wear the right gear. Wear knee pads to help prevent pain associated with crawling on attic joists. Additionally, a lightweight disposable coverall, gloves, and hat can keep itchy and irritating insulation off your skin.
Above All — Be Safe
Take precautions to avoid a dangerous working environment in the attic. During hot weather start working early, as attics heat up as the day moves on. Drink plenty of water and use an OSHA-approved particulate respirator or double-strap dust mask to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Also remember to watch your step. Walk on joists or truss chords, not exposed ceiling drywall or insulation. In addition, watch out for sharp nails sticking through the roof deck!
Materials Checklist for Sealing Attic Air Leaks
Batt or roll of unfaced fiberglass insulation and large garbage bags (for stuffing open stud cavities behind kneewalls and in dropped soffits)
Roll of reflective foil insulation or other blocking material such as drywall or pieces of rigid foam insulation to cover soffits, open walls, and larger holes
Silicone or acrylic latex caulk & caulk gun for sealing small holes (1/4 inch or less)
Several cans of expanding spray foam insulation for filling larger gaps (1/4 inch to 3 inches) Special high-temperature (heat-resistant) caulk to seal around flues and chimneys
Roll of 14-inch wide aluminum flashing to keep insulation away from the flue pipe
Retractable utility knife and sheet metal scissors
Tape measure and staple gun (or hammer and nails) to hold covering materials in place
Safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask (for insulation work as well)
Flashlight or portable safety light
Boards to walk on, if needed
Large bucket to haul materials
The Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program is a critical part of the Obama Administration’s broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy.
Homeowners can lower their monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today’s low rates. And for those homeowners for whom homeownership is no longer affordable or desirable, the program can provide a way out which avoids foreclosure. Additionally, in an effort to be responsive to the needs of today’s homeowners, there are also options for unemployed homeowners and homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth.
In February 2009, the Obama Administration introduced the Making Home Affordable Program, a plan to stabilize the housing market and help struggling homeowners get relief and avoid foreclosure. In March 2009, the Treasury Department (Treasury) issued uniform guidance for loan modifications across the mortgage industry and subsequently updated and expanded that guidance in a series of policy announcements.
The Making Home Affordable Program Handbook for Servicers of Non-GSE Mortgages (Handbook) is intended to provide a consolidated resource for programmatic guidance related to the MHA Program for mortgage loans that are not owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (Non-GSE Mortgages). Servicers of mortgage loans that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac should refer to any relevant guidance issued by the applicable GSE. In addition to the applicable guidance in this Handbook, servicers of mortgage loans insured or guaranteed by a federal agency, such as the Federal Housing Administration or Rural Housing Service, should refer to any relevant guidance issued by the applicable agency.
For a deeper understanding of program rules and servicer guidelines, consult theMHA Handbook.
MY PRO HANDYMAN CAN 