The Well-Informed Homeowner

Shutters: A Facelift For Your Home

2006-08-18T12:14:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-There are few do-it-yourself projects that make a statement quite like adding shutters. With a few hours of effort, it's possible to mount beautiful, expertly crafted shutters that add character and can help define a home's look.

Since the nation's founding, shutters have been an essential architectural element, protecting windows from storm damage, providing ventilation and offering charm and privacy.

"Louvered shutters on the upper stories could be angled downward to provide a view of activities below and provide a barrier against the rain," said Christopher Peeples, an expert in shutter history and owner of Vixen Hill, which manufactures quality cedar shutters.

Today, shutters are primarily a decorative fixture, supplying a finishing touch that enhances the architectural style of a home and adds that much-sought-after curb appeal.

Peeples offers several tips for choosing shutters:

• Even though you might choose wood shutters for their superior looks alone, they also tend to be stronger and more durable. Wood shutters take stain and paint applications easier and can withstand highly humid climates or climate changes.

• In hurricane climate areas, shutters can afford instant protection and eliminate the ongoing effort and expense of having to replace broken windows.

• When choosing wood shutters, look for quality rot-and-insect-resistant wood. The preferred choice is old-growth western red cedar (air-dried, not kiln-dried). Vixen Hill mills its own wood to ensure the highest quality.

• Louver thickness is a key indicator of shutter quality. The best louvered shutters have 3/8- to 1/2-inch louvers.

For more information, visit www.vixenhill.com.

Create Dynamic Curb Appeal With New Advances In Vinyl Home Building Products

2006-07-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

Vinyl building products have grown rapidly in popularity over the years because of their ease of installation, low maintenance and reasonable cost. Despite their popularity, however, they generally have not been offered in a wide variety of colors, especially on the darker side of the palette. That's because rich, dark colors couldn't always hold up to the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Read more

Best Home-Improvements.com

2006-07-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

I wanted to tell everyone about my new home improvement web site.
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Please, let me know what you think about it.

Tips On Lawn Mower Safety

2006-07-02T03:13:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-Many parents know it's important to tend to more than their yards when they do yard work. Still, thousands of children are injured in yard-work-related injuries every year.

It only takes a moment for a child to dart into the path of a lawn mower. Myranda got her foot trapped underneath the blade of her father's riding lawn mower when she was 2 years old. Spence lost part of his foot when he tripped in front of a riding lawn mower when he was 3. Both Myranda and Spence had to have a foot amputated and now use prostheses.

Myranda and Spence are among the many children Shriners Hospitals for Children treats each year who have lost fingers, toes and limbs as a result of power lawn mower accidents.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 84,000 injuries result from lawn mower accidents each year, and 8,800 of those injuries are to children under the age of 18. One out of every five lawn mower deaths involves a child.

According to a report published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine Web site, children between the ages of 15 and 19 have the highest rate of hospitalizations caused by lawn mower accidents, and the second-most-common result of these hospitalizations is toe amputation.

To prevent lawn mower injuries, follow these safety tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children and the CPSC:

• Do not allow passengers on a riding mower.

• Keep children out of the yard and indoors while mowing the lawn.

• Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate a lawn mower.

• Always prepare your lawn for mowing. Check your lawn for items such as sticks, rocks, toys, etc. Make sure nothing is hidden in the grass.

• Handle fuel with care. Wipe up spills. Never fill the tank on a mower that is hot. Never smoke or use any kind of flame around gasoline.

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, eye protection, heavy gloves, and sturdy, close-toed shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles.

• Check guards and shields. Read the owner's manual and know how to operate the equipment. Don't remove or disable guards or other safety devices.

• Always use a mower with an automatic blade cutoff. Stay behind the handle until the blade stops.

• Never reach under a mower while it is still operating. If you need to remove debris or check the blade, disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

• Don't cut grass when it's wet.

• On slopes, mow up and down rather than across the slope.

For more information on Shriners' network of 22 hospitals that provide medical care and services to children with orthopaedic problems, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate at no charge, write to Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or visit www.shrinershq.org. All services are provided at no charge to children under 18, regardless of financial need or relation to a Shriner.

If you know a child whom Shriners can help, call (800) 237-5055 in the United States or (800) 361-7256 in Canada.

10 Ways to Create a Low Maintenance Home

2006-05-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

(MS) - Hectic schedules, long work hours and business travel leave little time for homeowners to keep up with the regular maintenance needed to care for a home. During the past several decades an abundance of products have been introduced that are designed to reduce the hassles and time-consuming efforts needed to keep a home in top shape.

"The evolution of low maintenance products is one of the greatest achievements in the building products industry," according to Don Zeman, host of the home improvement radio show, Homefront with Don Zeman.

"From the introduction of vinyl window frames that never need painting to porch rail systems that don't rot, decay or attract termites, everyone wins with low maintenance products," says Zeman, who was a contractor and builder for 25 years before starting his nationally syndicated show. "Homeowners find that the labor and money saved with low maintenance products allow them more free time to enjoy their homes."

According to a survey of customer preferences conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, low maintenance figures prominently into building product purchase decisions. In the report What 21st Century Home Buyers Want, low maintenance ranked as the second-highest reason for selecting wall materials for the front exterior of the home and the primary reason for choosing wall materials for the other three sides of the home. In the survey, low maintenance brick and vinyl sidings were the most requested choices for siding.

"Two key things have occurred that make homeowners more conscious of low maintenance materials," says Zeman, whose News from the Homefront television segments are seen nationwide. "First, the quality and variety of products in this category continue to increase each year. Second, the free time homeowners have available to spend on home maintenance continues to decrease so they're constantly seeking out ways to create an easy-care home."

From his vantage point of reviewing thousands of products and projects each year, Zeman offers 10 ways homeowners can make their homes easier to maintain.

Project 1 - Accessorize the exterior of your home with durable urethane products. Easy-care shutters, window and door trim pieces, louvers and balustrade systems resist warping, weather damage and insect infestations. Products from Fypon, like their Cellular PVC bead boards that can be used for porch ceilings, are longer-lasting than wood products because they don't absorb moisture and are weather resistant.

Project 2 - Tired of termites feeding on your deck? Try composite decking. Made from plastic and wood fibers, this low maintenance product installs and cuts like wood, but resists rot and insects. There's no painting or staining required and in many cases fasteners are hidden. The investment in composite decking pays back during the resale of a home . and during all those weekends you're not forced to strip and reseal a wood deck.

Project 3 - When it's time to reside your home, invest in vinyl siding with insulator boards behind them to create the most energy efficient and low maintenance exterior possible. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, there are a wide variety of vinyl siding textures and colors available, including woodgrain replications. Visit www.vinylsiding.org to locate certified vinyl siding products and for answers to your questions on vinyl siding.

Project 4 - Forget about hanging shades or blinds in areas of the home where you desire privacy. Instead, install obscure acrylic block windows that guarantee privacy. Both the blocks and vinyl frames are easy to maintain with mild soap and water. Acrylic block windows from Hy-Lite Products come in operable casement and awning styles along with large, fixed picture windows - ideal for use in the bathroom.

Project 5 - When ordering windows for your home, make sure to request the tilt-in sash option. This feature eliminates the need to clean the outside of your windows by standing on a ladder because you can use the tilt-in feature to quickly and easily clean the glass from the inside of the house.

Project 6 - Add decorative style and maintenance ease to your home with fiberglass columns. Available in both round and square profiles, the columns are insect, weather and decay resistant so they can be used both for interior and exterior applications. Versatile and elegant, columns from Dixie-Pacific are load-bearing and can be accented with decorative capitals and bases.

Project 7 - Install moisture resistant urethane mouldings and decorative millwork in extremely humid areas of the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens. No matter how much steam is produced from showers or cooking, these products won't warp like wood mouldings.

Project 8 - Replace existing windows with low-maintenance vinyl framed windows. Easy to clean with mild detergent and water, windows with vinyl frames, such as those from Simonton Windows, never have peeling paint that needs to be stripped and replaced. As a bonus, vinyl is an excellent insulator, so vinyl-framed windows are extremely energy efficient.

Project 9 - Invest in a solid-surface countertop for your kitchen. This man-made material can have the look and feel of stone or marble while offering the advantage of needing only soap and water for cleanup. Most solid-surface countertops are seamless and resist stains, chemicals and scratches. Color and style options are almost limitless and there are no veneers to chip, crack, peel or wear out.

Project 10 - Save time and effort every time you shower by installing an acrylic block shower surround. The easy-care blocks don't require you to squeegee them after every shower to remain clean and attractive. As an added benefit, the obscure blocks provide privacy in the shower while adding a stylish look to the bathroom.

For more tips and ideas on making your home more comfortable, along with information on products discussed here, visit www.homefront.com.

Wood Floor Refinishing Pioneer Bonakemi USA Earns Greenguard Certification

2006-05-25T02:38:00.000-05:00

Bona Dust Containment Technology, Low-VOC Waterborne Finishes Allow Today’s Hardwood Floor Owners to Breathe Easier

(HIT)- BonaKemi USA, the world leader in hardwood floor finishing and floor care, has been awarded GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification for the Bona Environmental Choice System™ (ECS) by the Atlanta-based GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), according to Ron Peden, BonaKemi USA president and CEO.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is a leading, independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program for low-emitting interior products.

Achieving official GREENGUARD Certification for Indoor Air Quality is not easily accomplished, according to Marilyn Black, PhD., of Air Quality Sciences, the third-party indoor air quality company used by GEI for scientifically testing the Bona Environmental Choice System.

"GREENGUARD Environmental Institute employs the industry’s most stringent emission guidelines," Black said. "We commend Bona for being the first–ever hardwood floor finishing company to earn GREENGUARD Certification for their products."

"Indoor air quality has been a hot topic for a number of years and as a result, today’s consumers are insisting on environmentally healthy products for their homes," Peden said. "The GREENGUARD Certified Bona Environmental Choice System, developed by Bona, meets that fast-growing consumer demand."

Poor indoor air quality can lead to irritation, asthma, reproductive and developmental problems, and even cancer. According to information recently published by GEI, the number of cases of asthma in school-aged children has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. The study found that nearly one in 13 school-aged children suffers from asthma, making it the leading cause of school absenteeism with more than 10 million missed school days each year.

Traditionally, refinishing hardwood floors was an extremely dusty process, along with toxic fumes from solvent-based finishes.

The Bona Environmental Choice System includes the innovative trailer-mounted Bona Atomic DCS® and new portable Atomic® 110 dust containment systems which help maintain good indoor air quality by preventing the infiltration and permeation of dust into drapery, furniture, cabinets, air ducts and air conditioning units during the sanding process. The system also features Bona’s industry-leading, low-VOC waterborne finishes.

"Our Environmental Choice System allows homeowners to enjoy a beautiful, durable hardwood floor while avoiding the toxic fumes associated with old-fashioned solvent-based finishes," Peden added. "And because our fast drying waterborne finishes are virtually odorless without toxic fumes, homeowners don’t have to vacate their home during the refinishing process."

As the most convenient, healthiest hardwood floor finishing process available, the Bona Environmental Choice System of waterborne finishes and dust containment sanding equipment is available through hardwood flooring contractors nationwide. Consumers can visit www.bonakemi.com to locate the nearest contractor using Bona’s Atomic Dust Containment Systems.

"Bona will continue leading the way with our innovations of dust containment, low-VOC waterborne finishes and our concern for the environment and the health of our customers," Peden said.

About Bonakemi USA
BonaKemi USA, Inc., the North American subsidiary of BonaKemi AB, Malmö, Sweden, manufactures and distributes complete systems for hardwood floor finishing, including dust containment sanding equipment, abrasives, fillers, stains, sealers, finishes and floor care products. The Bona Environmental Choice System™ meets or exceeds all state and federal clean air quality standards, and reflects BonaKemi's commitment to personal health, indoor air quality and the environment. For more information, please contact BonaKemi USA, Inc. at (800) 872-5515 or www.bonakemi.com.

What You Should Know Before Remodeling

2006-05-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-How ready are you to remodel? Asking yourself the following questions may help you organize your next remodeling project.

Q: Which remodeling projects are you most likely to recoup the cost of?

A: A minor kitchen remodel: 92.9 percent; siding replacement: 92.8 percent; a midrange bathroom remodel: 90.1 percent.

Q: What would make my kitchen easier to use?

A: A lot depends on how you already like to use your kitchen. If you like to bake, you may benefit from a lower counter or island. If you buy in bulk, you'll need extra storage space. If more than one cook will use the kitchen at one time, you may want to create separate work stations.

One must-have in the hardworking kitchen is a range hood. Because cooking churns out airborne contaminants like nothing else in the home can, you need a ventilating solution, preferably a high-performance, HVI-certified, ducted model, such as those made by Broan.

Q: The area around where I iron always seems to get messy, no matter how hard I try to keep it clean. Is there anything I can do to help prevent this from happening?

A: Consider an ironing center that can recess into the wall. Three NuTone Ironing Center models, the Basic, the Standard and the Deluxe, share the same high-quality construction and materials. These models can be either recessed into the wall or surface-mounted, and allow homeowners to combine all their ironing essentials into one clean, neat area.

Q: What about temperature control?

A: Bathrooms can benefit from up-to-date ventilation fans. Ventilation fans can prevent steamy mirrors, fogged windows and damp walls. More importantly, they can circumvent much deeper problems such as mold, mildew, peeling paint, warping, ruined insulation and wood rot. New models from Broan are quieter, more attractive and functional than those in the past.

Q: I live in a really small house. Are there any new ways to save space?

A: Medicine cabinets are always a great tool for homeowners looking to create extra space around the house. NuTone medicine cabinets offer value, convenience and easy installation while helping to solve storage issues. Best of all, the cabinets are so stylish that they can be used in other rooms of the house, not only in bathrooms.

For more information, visit www.broan.com or www.nutone.com.

Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 21-27

2006-05-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

Lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

This year Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 21-27, 2006.

Visit The Hurricane Preparedness Web site to learn about hurricane hazards and get the knowledge that can be used to take ACTION. This information can be used to save lives!

BBB Consumer Services

2006-04-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

Visit the BBB Consumer Services Web Site http://www.charlotte.bbb.org/consumerservices.html for Free Helpful Consumer Services.

Serious Gaps In Homeowners' Rights

2006-04-26T14:07:00.000-05:00

Consumer Group Releases Report Detailing Serious Gaps In Homeowners' Rights

CHARLOTTE—NCPIRG released the report, “Who Pays The Price For Faulty Construction,” at a press conference in early april with homeowners from across the state along with Tom Bartholomy, President of the Charlotte Better Business Bureau. According to the report, North Carolina homeowners lack the ability to protect their investments in the face of shoddy construction.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest investments a family will ever make, yet it’s one of the least protected goods on the market,” stated Rob Thompson, Public Interest Advocate with NCPIRG.

The report cites case studies from victimized homeowners across the state to illustrate serious loopholes in consumer protections. These loopholes too often mean that consumers are unable to hold builders accountable for faulty construction and correct the problems with their homes. Below are some examples from the report:

• The Richardson family from Indian Trail discovered defects to the foundation of their home nearly six years after it had been built. But because North Carolina only allows homeowners to hold builders accountable for building defects up to six years after construction is completed, the Richardsons are out of luck. “We ended up paying approximately $8,000 to repair our home and I spent countless hours redoing the bathroom, kitchen and hallway floors, because North Carolina’s short statute of repose didn’t allow us to hold our builder accountable,” stated Ben Richardson.

• The Burris family, from Charlotte, hired Ron Pierce to repair the foundation of their home. His work resulted in significantly more damage to the home. Ron Pierce lost his contractor’s license for a previous shoddy building job, but still managed the Burris project legally because it cost less than $30,000. In North Carolina, it’s legal for anyone to manage a job that costs less that $30,000 without a license. This means that a builder can be shown to be incompetent and negligent, as Pierce was by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, and still take on costly construction jobs.

• Two families, the Gilberts and the Daniels, have sued their builder for construction defects costing in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it’s unclear whether or not they’ll see any money because the builder can’t afford to pay for damages, doesn’t have insurance, or the insurance won’t cover the damages. Their next step would be to apply for relief from the Homeowners’ Recovery Fund, which is drastically under-funded and has an extensive wait list. In addition, county inspectors missed dozens of code violations in the construction of both homes. “Neither the builder or the county has taken responsibility for their negligence, so now we’re running out of money and we don’t even know if we’ll be able to keep our house,” stated Lisa Daniel.

“While North Carolina does not provide homeowners with adequate protections, there are some steps that consumers can take to ensure that they protect their legal rights and purchase a home that is well-built,” stated Thompson.

In addition to pointing out loopholes in state policy, NCPIRG also issued a set of recommendations for consumers in the market for a new home. These recommendations include:

• Thoroughly researching your builder with both the local Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Division;
• Having your home inspected by a licensed private building inspector once after the house is framed and again before closing;
• Getting all correspondence with the builder in writing;
• Hiring a real estate attorney to ensure that you don’t waive any legal recourse to protect your investment.

“Homes are the nucleus of society; they are where North Carolinians raise their children and build their families,” stated Thompson. “Unfortunately, homeowners in North Carolina don’t have the ability to protect the most important investments of their lives.”

For a full list of policy solutions and consumer recommendations, please go to www.ncpirg.org for a full copy of the report.

Source: NCPIRG

Termites $5 Billion In Damage Each Year

2006-04-24T14:51:00.000-05:00

Termites are chewing their way through homes across America and leaving major holes in homeowners' bank accounts. Although termites are more common in warm, humid climates, they can be found in 49 of the 50 states, bypassing Alaska, and cause an average of $5 billion in damage each year to residential and commercial buildings.

Although it takes three to eight years of normal termite feeding activity to cause measurable damage, termites organize themselves into colonies to keep productive and efficient in destroying property.

Visit http://the-well-informed-homeowner.com/2006/04/23/termiteshome.aspx for full blog.

Are Insecticides Poisoning Your Yard?

2006-04-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

(ARA) – You may not know what a Japanese beetle looks like, but chances are if you have a yard, you’ve seen the damage they do. The beetle is a highly destructive non-native pest that was introduced to the United States almost 80 years ago.

Because it has no natural predators here, the beetle has become a serious plant and turf pest, responsible for an estimated $3 billion worth of damage every year. Japanese beetle grubs feed on and destroy turf, while the adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, grapevines and field and vegetable crops. One thousand adult beetles can lay eggs for 50,000 grubs in your lawn.

The grubs develop in the soil, feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses and often destroying turf in lawns, parks, golf courses and pastures. “You’ll know if you have grubs because your grass will go brown and feel spongy underfoot, and can be easily pulled back like old carpet to reveal the grubs,” explains Ted Reuter of St. Gabriel Laboratories, manufacturers of a natural control for these destructive pests.

Adult beetles emerge in late spring or early summer to feast on plant leaves. They’re easily recognizable: they’re a little less than 1/2 inch long with a shiny, metallic green body and bronze colored outer wings. Leaves attacked by Japanese beetles look like lace before they shrivel and die.

St. Gabriel Laboratories conducts a Japanese beetle survey every year, and according to data they’ve gathered, beetle populations will be huge in 2006. “The mild winter we’ve had in most parts of the country is good for the beetles, bad for homeowners and their yards,” says Reuter.

But before you reach for a chemical insecticide to deal with these pests, consider the safety of you, your family and your pets. “People are poisoning their yards with these chemicals,” says Reuter. “They’re dangerous for children and for animals, not to mention the environment.” Chemical insecticides kill all kinds of bugs, including beneficial ones like earthworms and the praying mantis. Milky Spore kills only Japanese beetles and harms nothing else.

Reuter recommends Milky Spore, a biological control agent, instead. Milky Spore is the common name for spores of the bacterium Bacillus popillae. When beetle grubs ingest the spores, they germinate in the grub’s gut, infect the gut cells and enter the blood, where they multiply. The buildup of spores in the blood causes the grub to take on a characteristic milky appearance.

Milky Spore disease builds up in turf over a period of two to four years, as grubs ingest the spores, become infected and die, each releasing 1 to 2 billion spores back into the soil, suppressing the development of large beetle populations. “Once Milky Spore is established, it can last 10 to 20 years in the soil,” says Reuter. St. Gabriel guarantees its product will last for 10 years.

Developed by the USDA after World War II, Milky Spore is safe for vegetable gardens, as it is not a chemical pesticide. “Milky Spore is the safest material ever developed for control over the grubs of Japanese beetles,” says Reuter. It is easy to apply, begins working immediately and is long lasting.

For more information, visit www.milky spore.com or call (800) 801-0061.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Readying Your Air-Conditioning System For A Hot Summer

2006-04-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

Keeping your cool this year may be easier if you give your air-conditioning system a tune-up before the weather gets any warmer. All it takes is a few simple steps to make sure your air-conditioning system is ready to properly cool your home.

Visit http://the-well-informed-homeowner.com/2006/04/17/airconditioning-system.aspx for full blog.

Ready To Mow?

2006-04-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-To make sure your grass is a cut above your neighbor's, it's important not to let your riding mower and other power equipment get you hot under the collar because they're not ready to mow when you are.

That's why it's a good idea when you create your "to-do" list to have a check box that reads: Maintain Outdoor Power Equipment. This task is not only essential for the safety and performance of the equipment, but also helps keep your yard healthy and free of disease throughout the summer.

Are You Feeling Handy?

You can do a lot of the basic maintenance on your outdoor lawn equipment yourself in just a couple hours. Some steps to follow include:

• Change and dispose of oil; replace filter

• Check and replace worn spark plugs

• Brush grass clippings away from cooling fans, air intake screens and under mower deck

• Inspect air filter

• Sharpen blade

Prefer Soil Rather Than Oil?

Use a "hassle-free" mobile service.

Not everyone likes or is able to perform their own maintenance. Similar to a doctor's house call, there are mobile services available to deliver the service center to your doorstep. For example, John Deere offers Ready To Mow™, whereby one of their factory-trained technicians comes to your home or work with a service center on wheels to perform a 12-point maintenance & inspection service on all outdoor power equipment. A few steps involved with this service include:

• Check battery voltage and continuity

• Clean engine

• Inspect belts for wear and adjust tension

• Check tire tread and pressure

• Test operation of brakes, carburetor, transmission and safety systems

• Change transmission fluid, engine coolant, oil and filters (certain models)

• Grease axle and mower spindles

• Sharpen blades, check balance and straightness to prevent vibration.

Vacation Costs Up 5 Percent, AAA Survey Shows

2006-04-17T13:58:00.000-05:00

Vacation Costs Up 5 Percent, AAA Survey Shows; Energy Costs, Salaries Impact Vacationers' Budgets

BURNSVILLE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today--Travelers will not see any relief in their wallet this year with the overall cost of taking a vacation increasing by 5.4 percent from last year, according to AAA's Annual Vacation Costs survey.

"Rate increases for lodgings are mostly a result of supply and demand, especially in major markets," said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Tourism Information Development, which oversees the popular AAA Diamond Ratings. "For both lodgings and restaurants, rising energy costs as well as salary and benefit costs are certainly having an impact."

AAA's survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $261 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $141 a night, up nearly 9 percent from last year. Meals will cost $120, up nearly 2 percent from 2005.

The most expensive state for vacationers remains Hawaii where the daily cost of food and lodging for a family of four will average $559 per day. Other destinations with a high average daily cost include the District of Columbia at $518; Nevada, $348; Rhode Island, $329; and New York, $329.

Travelers looking for bargains should look at these least expensive states: North Dakota and Nebraska, with an average daily cost of $191; Kansas, $193; Iowa, $196; and Oklahoma, $200.

Rising gas prices coupled with the increase in vacation costs makes it important for travelers to maximize their vacation dollars. AAA's online Search for Savings feature (www.aaa.com/save) enables consumers to look for discounts at home or at their vacation destination. AAA members saved more than $513 million in 2005 by asking for their AAA discount.

Auto travelers can help avoid costly repairs and inefficient fuel use by having their vehicle checked out by a AAA Approved auto repair facility prior to starting their trips. Consumers also can save by booking accommodations in advance to ensure availability, selection and the best rate. Consider getting a room with a kitchen to cut down on meal costs and use the Internet to search for good deals.

AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950 when the average daily cost of meals and lodgings for a family of four was $13.

AAA's meal and lodging costs are based on prices from more than 55,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated(R) lodgings and restaurants listed in AAA's TourBook(R) guides, the most widely distributed travel guidebook series in North America with more than 23 million copies distributed annually.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.

Conservation Through Irrigation

2006-04-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-When it comes to watering your yard, you may be able to save yourself some "green" -without your lawn turning brown-by using an automatic irrigation system. If that system is correctly designed, installed and maintained, it can keep your landscape looking lush using the least amount of water.

Here are a few more tips, from gardening expert Paul James, that may help:

• Waste not, want not-Instead of watering for one long continuous session, try splitting the watering time into shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. This will let the water soak in, while minimizing runoff.

• Raise the blade-Trim grass at a higher mower setting to shade roots from sunlight and encourage deeper roots. Lawns with longer grass blades (2 inches) will retain more moisture and encourage deeper, healthier roots.

• Watch the clock-Water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. By watering in the morning, you give the leaves a chance to dry out during the day.

• Divide by zones-Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide your yard into separate irrigation zones so the grass can be watered separately and more frequently than ground covers, shrubs and trees.

• Water only what grows-If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water, not a fine mist, to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

• Consider drip-When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers or other nongrassy areas, you can apply water directly to the roots with low-volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff and keep weeds from growing.

• Do routine inspections-Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

• Be rain smart-Adjust your irrigation system as the seasons and weather change. You can also install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and let you take advantage of nature's free watering service.

More watering tips from Paul James and Rain Bird Corporation are available by visiting www.rain bird.com.

Visit The Well-Informed Homeowner.com

2006-04-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

"I Wanted to let my readers know about a new project that i'm working on, The Well-Informed Homeowner.com. I will be still be posting here also. Check it out and let me know what you think."

Thanks,
Danny

Recouping Remodeling Costs

2006-04-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Sizing Up Siding: Recouping Remodeling Costs

(NAPSI)-Some home improvement/repair projects are necessary regardless of cost, such as installing a new hot water heater when the old one stops working. Others, such as updating the kitchen or windows, are more a function of having the money to do so-and how much they add to a home's value when it comes time to sell.

According to the most recent "Cost Vs. Value Report" published by Remodeling magazine, the most cost-effective remodeling job is redoing the bathroom, with an estimated 102.2 percent of costs recouped in the home sale. But the number-two project may surprise you: siding replacement.

The report found that, when mid-range siding products are used, homeowners can expect to get 95.5 percent of costs back when they sell. For upscale siding, the expected payback is even higher: 103.6 percent.

And while many indoor projects have fluctuated in their overall value-between 2002 and 2005, bathroom remodels have recouped as little as 79.1 percent of costs-siding has been a relatively steady earner, increasing in value each year over that period.

In addition, since the exterior of your home is the first thing people see, the charm and character that show through with quality siding speaks volumes about the pride you have in your home. The decision to re-side your home is, more than likely, one you'll make once and live with for a long time. That's why it's so important to get all of the facts and make the right siding choice.

One of the most popular siding choices-both for mid-range and upscale projects-is fiber-cement siding from James Hardie. Whether you're building a new home or remodeling, fiber-cement siding provides low maintenance yet doesn't sacrifice the beauty and character of wood. The siding resists rotting or cracking and it resists damage from rain and hail.

In addition, James Hardie® siding is available pre-finished with a 15-year finish warranty. Best of all, the siding is noncombustible, with a limited, transferable warranty for up to 50 years.

James Hardie is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and development of technologies, materials and manufacturing processes of durable building materials. For over 20 years, the company has operated one of the largest research and development facilities devoted solely to fiber-cement technology.

To learn more, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Dewey Workers on ABC's ''Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'' Construction Site Made It Happen Despite Rain, Cold and Tight Deadline

2006-04-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

A crew of 23 was given three hours to shingle the roof of the new home built for the Py Family of northeast Philadelphia by Dewey Companies for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." (Photo: Business Wire)

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diverse, experienced, talented craftsmen joined forces, sometimes overlapping their skills, to give the Py family, recipients of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" program, a home to be proud of and to enjoy for many years to come.

ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" came to Philadelphia on March 22 and teamed up with Wayne, PA residential builder/developer Dewey Companies to build a new home for a deserving Philadelphia family in one week with an incredible amount of support and the donations of labor, money and materials. The show is scheduled to air on Sunday, April 30, 2006 on ABC-TV from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Given only hours to complete their work on the house in northeast Philadelphia, some, like the roofers and siding contractors labored in the cold and rain. Others toiled through the night and even went several days with only a few hours' sleep. "But, it was for a good cause," said Gary Nolan, president of Brothers, Inc. the Broomall, PA-based electrical company that installed all the electrical and security wiring throughout the house. Twenty-seven electricians and helpers worked side by side.

Because the house had to be ready for occupancy within 96 hours from the time demolition began, subcontractors from different fields had to work in the house at the same time, something rarely seen during a conventional construction project.

"The cooperation was like nothing I've ever seen in my life," commented Ken Dewey of Dewey Companies, who oversaw the entire project. "Nobody complained. Everyone helped each other, whether the work needing to get done was their specialty or outside their trade. Union and non-union carpenters worked side by side. The level of cooperation was astonishing."

Members of numerous locals from the Carpenters Union of Philadelphia volunteered round the clock to get the house framed and the roof sheathed, according to carpenter Jerry Coughlin. "Many members came to volunteer at the site after they finished their day job," he said. In addition, apprentice carpenters volunteered their time to assist.

Andy Keys of Keys Construction Roofing and Siding in Pottstown, PA noted that his crew of 23 was given three hours to shingle the roof. They completed the job in two hours. Rain delayed them an entire day. "We didn't get to work until Sunday morning, and we returned on Monday and worked from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tuesday to complete the metal roofs on the front, side and back porches," he said. "Somehow we all stayed awake, and didn't even notice the time."

The 28-man team from Krumins Enterprises, in Warminster, PA, found themselves doing more than putting up siding, said Richard Krumins. "We also put up Tyvek(R), set windows, and installed the trim board and moldings, things we don't normally do on a job." And it was done in the pouring rain. It was chaotic, Krumins, said, especially as another crew was painting the siding as quickly as his men installed it, and the landscaper was planting shrubs underneath the scaffolding.

The 27 employees from H&S Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in Downingtown, PA not only ran the sewer lines and did the rough and finished plumbing, but installed all the appliances and helped frame and tile as well. Working on a tight schedule was stressful, stated Norman Seldes, owner, but, he added "We're proud to have been a part of the project."

Installing, taping, spackling and sanding the dry wall in a 3,300 square foot house can take, on average, a couple weeks. McElderry Drywall of New Berlinville, PA was given 12 hours to complete the task. Seventy men hung, taped, spackled and sanded 270 sheets of drywall. "Five different crews worked as one," explained Dennis Rider, construction manager. "We had never done anything like that and didn't know how well the crews would work together. It went perfectly, and we came away with a great sense of accomplishment."

Adding a finishing touch to the kitchen, baths and loft area was McClaren Fabrication of West Chester, PA. "The experience of working with other contractors was chaotic but extremely exciting," admitted Charles McDowell, project manager. "When we needed to get into certain rooms, workers in the other trades gladly gave us the space we needed. We all worked together on the project and came away with a great sense of accomplishment." McClaren fabricated and installed granite countertops for the kitchen, the Jack and Jill bath, the master bath and the office, and a solid surface top for the loft area. They were given eight hours to finish the project on site, from cutting the counters to size and installing them. "Our guys found traits and strength they didn't know they had. This experience has changed their lives," noted McDowell.

"Throughout the project, every subcontractor met the challenge with dedication, determination, and good humor," said Dewey.

Most of the subcontractors were those with whom Dewey has a business relationship in various communities, but there were also a lot of people from different unions who worked together, noted Dewey. "Union and non-union guys worked next to each other whose only concern was getting the job done."

"Many people just came forth to volunteer and worked however long it was necessary to get the job done," he added. "Some guys worked 20-30 hours with only a couple hours off. It was very exhausting, but spiritual. There was an energy that came out of nowhere and fueled everyone's ability to give the Py family a new home.

"I don't think we'll ever by the same. We are totally as a whole a better working community than we would have ever been had we not done this job. It was extraordinary how scores people who had never met before this project were able to come together and work harmoniously in these very trying circumstances. From replacing the wrong equipment to calling upon Lowe's to open at one a.m. to provide us with materials we needed, the list is endless of people simply doing whatever it took to make this happen."

Affordable Car Repairs Help Seniors- The Opposite Will Drive Seniors Out Of Their Cars

2006-04-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-Whether they're on the road to retirement or already living on easy street, America's seniors depend on their cars and trucks. Yet trend watchers say many seniors may soon lose the right to decide where to have their vehicles repaired.

Instead, they will have to take their cars, trucks and SUVs to expensive car dealerships to have repairs done. Opponents of this car dealer monopoly say that it would raise the repair costs for seniors by 20 to 40 percent, and would force them to go to mechanics they would rather not do business with. Fortunately, a bill in Congress would help. Called H.R. 2048, it would guarantee all Americans the "Right to Repair" their own cars or to choose their own mechanics.

Technology Drives Repairs

Federal laws and new technologies have resulted in vehicles being more computerized. As a result, increased levels of technology and information are required for maintenance and repairs.

While the automakers make all of this critical repair data available to car dealers, they limit its availability to the independent technicians.

If carmakers refuse to share all of their information, many, if not all, of the 147,000 independent repair shops could go out of business, including up to 50 percent of the American Automobile Association's approximately 7,500 AAA-Approved Auto Repair Shops.

According to RetireSafe, a national organization that represents over 367,000 seniors, the loss of independent repair shops would be devastating for seniors. In addition to a significant rise in repair bills, seniors may be forced to find new mechanics-many of whom may be difficult to physically get to, and some of whom may not provide the customer service seniors might have grown accustomed to.

RetireSafe warns that a lack of fair competition between repair shops could ultimately cost seniors the vehicles they depend on.

For more information, visit www.RetireSafe.org.

CELEBRATING MOM - Tales Of Toddlers

2006-04-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-Many people fantasize about motherhood, imagining picture-perfect days with a smiling baby. Most moms know that along with the precious moments and the enormous love come daily challenges from tantrums to toilet training.

Fortunately, there's now a charming book in an easy-to-read format offering mothers of preschoolers a way to relieve stress, connect with other moms and enjoy much-needed laughter. The stories can help rekindle a mom's sense of herself and her spirit, encouraging her through this shortr but precious time in her child's life. In addition, sales of "Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler's Soul" will help support MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers), a non-profit group.

To learn more, visit www.hci books.com. The book is available wherever books are sold or online.

Hidden Hazards In Pools And Hot Tubs

2006-04-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-As more kids enjoy the warm weather with a dip in the pool, it's important for parents to be on guard against one of the leading causes of accidental death in children: drowning.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways parents can keep their kids safe-and new legislation may help. The legislation will encourage states to require protection-such as fencing and devices that reduce drain suction-around pools and hot tubs.

Every year there are 2,400 pool-related drownings from various causes among kids aged 1 to 14. Many parents do not realize that one of the most alarming dangers to children in pools and hot tubs is drain entrapment, which occurs when a child's body or hair gets attached to an underwater drain in a pool or hot tub.

Drowning is the biggest accidental-injury related cause of death among children 1 to 4 in the U.S. It is the second biggest killer of children ages 1 to 14. In 2002 alone, 838 children died as a result of accidental drowning-enough children to fill a small primary school.

Safe Kids Worldwide, with help from Johnson & Johnson, works to teach families how to prevent drain entrapment. They offer these tips:

• Warn children about the dangers of drain entrapment and teach them to stay away from the drain.

• Install equipment to prevent entrapment if you own a pool or hot tub. Protective measures include anti-entrapment drain covers, multiple drains in new construction and a device to automatically release the suction and shut down the pump, should entrapment occur.

• Actively supervise children around water and have a phone nearby to call for help in an emergency.

• Ensure your pool has four-sided fencing. It is estimated that proper installation and use of four-sided fencing could prevent 50 to 90 percent of all childhood residential swimming pool drownings or near drownings. Also use a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. Hot tubs should be covered and locked when not in use.

• Install a door alarm, a window alarm or both to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised.

For more information, visit www.usa.safekids.org or call (202) 662-0600.

Tool Talk for Women

2006-04-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

(ARA) – When it comes to basic home maintenance and home improvement projects, more and more women are doing it for themselves. Tapping this trend, many tool manufacturers now offer a range of products designed to appeal to this fastest-growing segment of the home improvement market.

“Market research shatters the stereotype of the husband’s ‘honey-do’ list,” says Terry Tuerk of power tool manufacturer Metabo. “Today, women are not intimidated by home repair and improvement. They know it can be cheaper and more satisfying to do it themselves, rather than always hire a professional.”

Here are some female-friendly basic tools that are finding their way into handywomen’s well-equipped toolboxes:

* Hammer – For most household tasks, the claw hammer gets the job done. The most popular weights have historically been 16 to 24 ounces. Lighter 8-ounce hammers, however, are also available. “These hammers are made with high-tech lightweight materials that make them easy to heft and balance,” says Tuerk. Options include the Oxo Good Grips available at Lowe’s, and Stanley, which offers a 13-ounce hammer.

* Tape measure – Gone are the days when this critical tool came in one color – metal – and one weight – heavy. Today, tape measures are made of lightweight, colorful plastics that are as durable as they are eye-catching. A variety of casing sizes are available to fit every hand, no matter how small. Workforce Color Rules Tape Measure comes in a variety of colors and offers a soft grip handle. Or, you can opt for one of the new digital varieties. Black & Decker makes a device that is both a digital level and tape measure.

* Screwdrivers – Basic flat head and Phillips head screw drivers are home repair essentials. A complete screwdriver set practically guarantees you’ll never meet a screw head you can’t handle. However, to get the most flexibility in a compact size, consider a screwdriver that offers interchangeable heads. Often, these light-weight designs house the heads in a compartment within the screwdriver’s grip. Magnetized versions, that ensure the head stays in place during use, are also available. Most major tool manufacturers offer this type of screw driver.

* Power drill – Whether you are hanging a heavy piece of artwork, or putting together a piece of furniture, a power drill makes the job easy. Gone are the days when “powerful” meant a drill was heavy and hard to handle. The PowerMaxx by Metabo Corporation packs 80 inch pounds of torque into a 1 1/2-pound ergonomically designed package. The design makes the PowerMaxx especially handy for getting into awkward spots where a traditional power drill would be too large. Changing drill bits and directions is accomplished with a lever the can be operated with just one finger. The drill is available from select retailers across the country. To find one near you, go to www.metabousa.com.

* Safety glasses – Protecting your eyes never looked better. Compact, attractive designs by AOSafety and Echo are a better fit for a woman’s facial structure and sense of style than traditional heavy plastic goggles. Designer colors and tinted lenses make a fashion statement and safety sense. Most home improvement centers now carry a wide variety of styles.

“As more women enter the ranks of do-it-yourselfers, we will see an influx of products designed to women’s needs and tastes,” says Tuerk.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Editor’s Note: Metabo, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, has international headquarters in Nurtingen, Germany and U.S. headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Earth-Friendly Lawns

2006-04-04T19:57:00.000-05:00

Think Grass, Think Green-There are easy ways to keep a beautiful, chemical-free lawn.

(NAPSI)-Your lawn shouldn't be bad for your yard. Yet much of the weed killer, fertilizer and turf builder people use on grass can sometimes be harsh on other plants and on the environment as a whole.

Fortunately, there are chemical-free ways to keep your lawn looking great. For instance, many homeowners add turfgrass that naturally resists insects and disease to their lawn. Called zoysia grass, the durable plant spreads into a permanent, perennial lawn.

Its deep, vigorous root system rarely needs watering and the lawn is dense enough that it prevents crabgrass and other weeds from germinating. That means homeowners don't need to spread toxic weed killers. Additionally, because its roots run so deep, the turfgrass does not need heavy doses of fertilizer.

The turfgrass is sold as individual starter plant plugs, rather than as seed or sod, meaning it can be planted into bare ground or existing lawns.

For more information, visit www.zoysiafarms.com.

A Fighting Chance Against Ants In Your Home

2006-04-04T19:45:00.000-05:00

(NAPSI)-No matter where you live in the United States, you have probably encountered ants in your home. In fact, with nearly 12,000 ant species roaming nearly every landmass on earth, there are few places ants have not been.

Like many insects, ants are not picky eaters. Most rely heavily on both plants and animals for food; some are especially attracted to sugary and greasy foods.

Ants can travel great distances foraging for the colony, making many foods in your home ripe for the taking. Though they normally nest outdoors, ants often enter homes searching for food, exploiting tiny cracks around doors, pipes and windows.

"All ant species are difficult to control because they're highly adaptive and have great survival instincts," says Frank Meek, technical director for Orkin, Inc. "Unfortunately, the natural conditions in our homes-no matter how clean-provide the perfect environment for ants."

Ants perform complex social behaviors and are widely studied for their intriguing communication methods. For instance, once ants find food, they release chemicals called pheromones, which help fellow ants locate the feast.

Ants also use pheromones for self-defense. Fire ants, the reddish-brown species named for their fiery sting, emit alarm pheromones that signal nest mates to attack and defend their colony by delivering repeated stings to intruding insects, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.

On humans, fire ant stings typically cause small blisters or pustules, which itch and burn and are prone to infection. Severe reactions can include breathing difficulty, swelling, aggravated skin disorders and sometimes death.

Fire ants are not the only ants that can disrupt health and home. Pharaoh ants, for example, can contaminate food and spread disease. Carpenter ants tunnel and nest in wood, which may cause structural damage in your home.

According to experts at Orkin, the following tips can help keep ants outdoors:

• Clean up spilled food and drinks quickly.

• Rinse drink cans before recycling.

• Store food in tightly sealed containers.

• Pick up your pet's food at night. Don't feed pets outdoors.

Identifying ant species is the first step in dealing with infestations, and homeowners should trust an experienced pest control professional for this difficult but critical process. A licensed company will customize treatment strategies to fit your specific ant problem. For more information, visit www.orkin.com or call (800) 800-ORKIN.