August 2010

Fix it Now? Fix it Later? A Useful Guide to Prioritizing Household Problems 

From an article by Shaila Wunderlich in the Home and Garden section of att.net. She says, "For many homeowners, tackling that annoying and ever-present home-repair list is a perennial resolution. But the recession has more homeowners facing a tough question: What do we fix now, and what can we put off until later?” She asked several contractors, remodelers and builders what should be at the top - and the bottom - of a homeowner's to-do list. They say water, sewage/septic, extensive mold and overcrowded outlets or antiquated wiring problems should not wait. See the complete article for details.

Who Would Have Thought Vinegar Was so Handy?

Vinegar (probably originally from spoiled wine) has been known and used for about 10,000 years. Today we use it for hundreds of tasks including cleaning, laundry, garden, health, automotive, pets and cooking. It's economical, natural, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Here, from vinegartips.com, are a few ideas for making the most of vinegar:

- Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
- Clean the fridge: use a mixture of half water, half vinegar to wipe down the interior shelves and walls.
- Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.
- Discourage cats from getting into the kids’ sandbox with white distilled vinegar.

See the website for 1001 household uses for vinegar.

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Increase Curb Appeal

Brandon Cornett, editor of the Home Buying Institute, says, "If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you need to start working on your curb appeal to make a good first impression on potential buyers. Curb appeal alone cannot sell your house. But it certainly goes a long way toward creating a good first impression. It also helps bring people inside the home, which is the first step to selling it. So it's definitely worth your time and energy to create curb appeal before you list your home for sale." For specific, detailed suggestions, see the Better Homes and Gardens article "20 Ways to Add Curb Appeal." 

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Seal Decks against Weather

Wood decks should be painted or stained every two or three years — more often if they face extreme weather. Wait for a forecast of several dry days before treating your decks (moisture sealed into the wood will encourage rot). A local paint store can usually lend you a moisture meter and explain how to use it to determine if the wood is dry enough to seal. Take readings at several spots. If you are a competent DIYer, Do It Yourself Network has a very good step-by-step explanation of how to clean and seal a deck. Otherwise, you’d better call a professional.

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NEWS 

In an article on Zacks.com analysts say “It now seems likely that we have reached the bottom in housing at least in terms of activity. Pricing will take a bit longer, and we still are at a very low level of activity, but it does not seem likely to fall further. Things are not great, but they now look like they are getting better, not worse. This is a very important green shoot for the economy. It is the most positive housing report we have seen in about two years, and housing has been at the core of the economy’s problems.

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Fast Facts

• Nome, Alaska is west of Honolulu, Hawaii. Portland, Maine is south of London, England.

• It is estimated that each person shares his or her birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world.

• The measure of your arm span is generally the same as your height.

• The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

• Your brain operates on the about same amount of power as a 10-watt light bulb.