Home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows you how installing impact glass windows in your home can help it withstand strong storms or hurricanes with greater success.
Questions or comments about high impact glass for your home? Use the comment link below and we'll get answers for you.
The Obama administration's top housing official says several new programs are in the works to help try to revive the housing market.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said in an interview recently that his department in the coming weeks will roll out an FHA refinancing program to help borrowers whose mortgages exceed the market value of their homes. He also said the department will launch "an emergency homeowners loan program" to help people who are unemployed keep their homes.
Donovan said a drop in July home sales was expected with the end of the housing tax credit, but that the decline was "clearly worse than we expected." He said "it's too early to say" if the credit will be revived.
What do you think about possibly reviving the home buyer tax credit (or some form of it) ? Good, or bad, for the market? We'd love to hear your opinion. Just click the comment link below and tell us what you think.
Our September 2010 Kansas City Real Estate Newsletter is now online…
Criminals recently ripped off $10 million dollars from American credit cards… Yours could have been one of them.
Been ripped off by a credit card scam? We'd love to hear about it and what you did to get your money back. Just click the comment link and share your story.
Decks and patios not only provide a space for outdoor entertaining, they can also increase your home’s curb or external appeal. But before you start construction, spend some time thinking about what you're looking for in an outdoor space. The wrong deck or patio can become unused space and an eyesore. The good news is, there are plenty of options with decks and patios that are sure to satisfy anyone’s vision of their perfect outdoor retreat.
Start by thinking about how you’ll want to use the space. Be realistic with your size expectations as well as your budget. Don’t forget to consider the maintenance requirements as well. Wood is the most common material choice for decks, however wood also requires a lot of maintenance. Wood decks should be inspected for loose boards, protruding nails and splinters and they need to be cleaned, sanded and refinished regularly (sometimes as often as once a year).
In general, decks are more affordable than patios, and concrete is often the most durable option and requires the least amount of maintenance. If you like the look of a wood deck, another option is called “alternative decking”, which is composite “wood” made of wood, plastic or aluminum that could be blended with recycled wood fiber, sawdust, plastic or fiberglass. This option better resists the effects of weather, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally maintenance free. You’ll still need to power wash your deck and keep an eye out for any needed repairs.
Patios and terraces are other popular options for outdoor spaces. Patios provide a great place for family barbecues and backyard parties. There are several surface options to choose from: stone, slate, brick, gravel and concrete, just to name a few. Having several options allows you to customize your space exactly to your liking.
A well constructed outdoor space can increase the value and appearance of your home. Once you’ve completed your retreat, be sure to make the most of it by spending lots of time in your outdoor space!
