3.) Backup Generator: The potential return on these puppies is just over 50%. If you purchase this one, accept the fact that that you are doing so strictly for personal usage. Do not make the purchase with much expectancy of potential future profit.

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The amount of money that is being made available right now to home improvement-minded homeowners is just crazy. I sometimes wonder, however, are we doing a good enough job of informing you folks of the available opportunities?  I have my doubts.  Let me take a quick minute to outline the possibilities for our region:

Missouri Scenario #1 $4,200 Free Tax Credit Money:

• You live in MO and you qualify for a KCP&L tax credit – $600
• You are also a MO Gas Energy customer – $600
• You purchase new energy efficient Windows – $1,500
• You purchase your EE Windows through Total Home of KS (Coupon #CHA-CHING) – $1,500

Kansas Scenario #2  $3,000 Free Tax Credit Money:

• You purchase new energy efficient Windows – $1,500
• You purchase your EE Windows through Total Home of KS (Coupon #CHA-CHING) – $1,500

As you can see, these available funds add up very nicely – whether you live in KS or MO.

Here are the additional resources you will need in order to cash in on your available monies:

MO Gas & Energy and KCP&L Rebate Info

Total Home of KS Rebate Match

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There is a difference.

I often hear home owners argue that they will not purchase a certain product or service because they are “on a budget.”  But the fact of the matter is, Budget does not equal Cheap.  When managed properly, the home improvement process can provide a satisfying return on investment.  This is not something that will typically be attained through frugality and penny-pinching.

• Keep yourself on track with guidelines and a spending barometer.  Keep receipts.
• Look at your house from the “Total Picture” perspective.  Purchasing granite countertops for the kitchen, when the windows throughout your house are costing you in energy efficiency dollars as you sit, may not be the the best decision for your overall investment.  THINK: Overall return on investment.
• The quality of help you hire is of the utmost importance.  Knowing where to draw the line between DIY and hire the help falls into this category, as well.  Hiring a friend to do the work for you is usually not the best idea (unless of course they are licensed).  Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”  If you hire a professional that carries their own insurance and licensing, you are able to rest assured that your investment is covered – no matter what.  Can you say the same for your buddy that’s willing to “do it for a case of beer?”
• Keep the future homeowner in mind.  When choosing colors, appliances, accessories – Your investment will recoup the highest gains for you if you are able to do this.  Remember, taste is subjective.  Neutral, classic colors will do best.  Modern, trendy appliances, countertops and fixtures may backfire on you.
• Brand A costs a more than Brand B, but you know it’s a better quality product, and you feel a lot more comfortable with the contractor.  What do you do?  Remember the old axiom, “Go with your gut.”  As previously mentioned, the quality of the help you hire is of utmost importance.  Workmanship, attitude and character should all be factors of consideration, here.  Remember, you will essentially be turning over the outcome of your investment to these guys.  Paying a little more to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you need out of the process, should be considered best practice.

I found this funny sign on the web…

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I’m a dog lover.  But I know there are plenty of you cat lovers out there. According to the U.S. Humane Society, 39% of U.S. homes have at least 1 dog and 34% of homes have at least 1 cat.

For those of us who like to live with animals, we typically need to go to extra lengths in our homes to ensure that our living spaces are as inviting and appealing as possible.

We battle pet hair, fleas and odors.  According to American Pet Products 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 91% of cat owners say that a fresh smelling home is of utmost importance to them.  The survey also reported that multiple cat owners (which is more than 50% of households surveyed), have more problems with pet odor related accidents in the house.

So, if you’re into your cats, and you’re into your home, I’d like to offer a few tips for you to consider:

• LITTER DEODORIZER – Use between box changes
• SCRUBBING – Wash the box weekly.  Don’t use a harsh soap, for obvious reasons; and rinse well
• FILL THE BOX – Keep 3″-4″ deep at all times
• QUALITY LITTER – Will soak and clump better
• SCOOP DAILY – To control odor
• CHANGE WEEKLY – To control odor and keep cat happy
• HAVE 1 BOX PER CAT – They don’t usually like to share; could cause problems

These little tips might help you to improve your existing space just a little bit more.

Seeking more animal-related Home info? Check this posting out.

We snagged this picture from these guys.  They do some pretty cool stuff out in OKC.

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I think home remodeling is too often viewed as one of those necessary evils in life.  It’s all relative, though.  And it has a lot to do with approach.

I’ll list a few tips that might help to motivate you into the realm of ‘Remodeling Like A Pro!’

• Trendy – Think twice on this one.  A) It will cost you more up front. B) It will potentially look dated in no time flat.  Definitely something to consider if you’re remodeling with intent to resale (and who isn’t right?)
• Insulation – Expert tip: Don’t skimp on this one.  Yes, too much can lead to mold issues – But not enough will cost you for years to come.  You can drastically decrease heating and cooling bills by properly insulating your home.  (And remember, the term insulation applies to many more things than just the scratchy, fluffy pink stuff).
• Test Drive – You can get a good feel for the projects that take priority and what types of changes you really want if you live in the house before you begin to remodel.
• Make Up Your Mind – Changing your mind six different ways from Sunday during your remodeling project will accomplish 2 things: 1) You’ll cause the project to take longer and cost more 2) You’ll drive your contractor nuts.  Try to get all of your imagining out of the way prior to the job start date.
• Think Twice – If you’re not a licensed contractor (or married to one) then I would suggest you strongly rethink the idea of doing it all yourself.  There are plenty of things that can be done on your own – And the good folks at the local hardware store with the little orange aprons will be happy to offer any advice they can.  But in all honestly, some tasks are best suited for a pro.  Don’t stretch beyond your limits.
• Don’t Be Surprised – Plainly stated: The job will cost more than you expect, so set aside an additional 10% cushion.
• Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You – The job will be very messy.  Dust, debris, trash, screws…Things might get damaged.  This is just a part of the process.  (If a professional brings damage your way, he should obviously repair it, but don’t freak out – Just a part of the process).

That’s all I’ve got on that topic for now.  But as a quick side note, today is National Donut Day.  So from one ‘little things in life-lover‘ to another, Happy Donut Day!

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Need to switch things up a little?  Maybe it’s time you make your bedroom brighter or your living room lighter?

If you enjoy doing little projects like these (assuming your bedroom/kitchen are “littler” rooms to begin with), I’ll give you a few get-going tips that will help you to…Get Going!

Rick and I like to do as many of the smaller projects as we can on our own – this way, we can save our pennies for the larger “For-Hire” projects (i.e. windows, siding, etc.)

To get you going on your interior paint project, you’ll first need to know how much paint you need to buy.

You can go to the hardware store and ask – but if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll end up over buying and wondering exactly how much of a commission cut the paint guy just made off of you and your ignorance.

Well, feel ignorant no more.

Standard guide to go by: A gallon of paint will cover 450 square feet of surface area.  Go ahead and figure 400 square feet to be safe.  To determine the amount of paint you will need, multiply the height of the wall by the length and then divide by 400.

h * l / 400

Now, depending on a variety of other factors, you will need to purchase for the proper amount of coats.  Consider the following factors:

• The level of color you are buying in relation to the level of color you are covering
• Texture/condition of wall

Use these guidelines to get you off the ground.

*And if you’re looking for a clever way to re-use your paint stir-sticks, check this out.  Holiday fun for all!

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1. Where will your contractor be able to drop lumber and store materials?
2. Parking.  Where will the crew be able to park?  What about you?
3. Which bathroom will the workers be allowed to use?
4. How will floors and carpets be protected form dirt and dust?
5. Are all breakables packed away for safe keeping?
6. Window treatments will most likely get very dirty.  Should you pack them away, as well?
7. Consider closing off the job site from the remainder of the house with a piece of plywood or plastic.

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While browsing online I found an interesting article written by Cynthia McMurray with searchwarp.com.  She offered some of the most bizarre home remedies I had ever come across.  I thought I’d pass a few of them along:

• Banana Peels:  Banana peels contain digestive enzymes that can assist with the removal of a splinter (wood, glass, metal…)  Rather than digging at splinter with tweezers and pins and God knows what other kinds of devices you might find, try cutting off a piece of a banana peel and wrapping it around your affected area, skin side out.  You can hold the peel in place with a band aid or some medical tape and you should leave it be overnight.  By morning, the enzymes will have forced the splinter to the surface, and proactively healed the wound at the same time.  If the splinter is really deep, you may want to repeat this process again.
• Cayenne Pepper:  Cayenne pepper is loaded with Vitamin K and Vitamin K embodies a powerful clotting factor.  You can use this unique remedy with any minor bleeding that won’t stop.  Now, one might assume that such a remedy would be painful.  In fact, this substance will not burn or irritate a wound.  You can even leave the pepper on overnight.  Just sprinkle, cover and expect relief.
• Peppermint Oil:  Did you know that according to research, peppermint oil–used for headache relief–is as effective as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen?  You may rub a few drops into your temples and expect relief in about 15 minutes.
• Onion:  Summertime…Outdoors…Bug bites.  Don’t scratch!  Just slice open an onion, and rub it onto the bite.  This high-sulfur vegetable will relieve the irritation by neutralizing the chemicals from the bug saliva.

And of course, these are merely suggestions to try.  These suggestions are not necessarily recommended by Medical Professionals.  While they are all safe and effective, if a problem persists, it is best to seek professional medical attention.

Thanks again to Cynthia McMurray for the cool tips.

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Door Lock: Install a dead bolt with a strike plate that is secured by 3″ screws that drive into the frame.  Anything less can be kicked in.

Trash:  New TV?  Laptop?  Home Computer?  Household appliance?  Rather than placing the box/packaging itmes on the curb for the trash man, go ahead and make a great big billboard that says, “Look here!  Brand new merchandise!  Please inquire inside!”  Break down these boxes and materials, first.

Play Pretend:  Pretend you’ve locked yourself out of your house.  Can you gain entry?  If you can, so can he.

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Windows & Doors: Guess how 33% of all home burglars gain entry into a home?  Unlocked windows and doors.  It may sound obvious, but you must remember to close and securely lock each of these entry points whenever you leave the house.

Bushes: Keep trim.  No need to provide additional hiding places for burglars.

Photo courtesy of Photobucket

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