The truth is, nobody has ever really thought of me as Joe the Lumberjack. My experience with yard work has always been limited to raking leaves and mowing the lawn. When my wife and I purchased our first home, we were excited because the neighborhood is what we like to call “woodsy.” There are tall trees and bushes everywhere so even though our neighbors are relatively close in proximity, it seems as though each house is tucked away in its own small forest. Read more...

Despite the luxuries of owning a pool and portable hot tub, caring for them can seem like a daunting and exhausting prospect for those who have never taken care of one. In fact, many pool and spa owners would love to delegate all of their maintenance to a professional pool company or technician. Aside from being prohibitively expensive, it can be impractical to have someone handle every aspect of keeping your pool sparkling and ready to use. If you are ready to be a little more self reliant, here are five tips your pool guy won’t tell you. Read more...

Home ownership can be one of the most rewarding achievements in life. However, rewards also come with responsibilities that enhance home values and quality of life.

Interior Items

While hopefully you purchased your home after a professional home inspection, pay attention to big-ticket items like heat pumps, air conditioners and hot water heaters. If they don’t work correctly, not only can they leave you hot or cold at the most inopportune times, but also drain money. These major appliances may have passed home inspection, but can lose proper function without warning. Be on the lookout for constantly running heat pumps/air conditioning units, unusual noises and water that does not seem as hot as usual. Read more...