|
Trying to avoid getting sick? Keep your hands clean With flu season upon us, many of us start running when we hear a sneeze and avoid sitting next to anyone with a sniffle. But germs are lurking in far more places than many of us realize and touching everyday objects or even just shaking hands can make us sick. In fact, 80 percent of the germs that cause illness are spread by contact. These germs are spread directly - by shaking hands, for example - or indirectly, when we touch an object that has been touched by other people's "germy" hands. The answer isn't to stop touching, rather, you should kill potential disease-causing germs on hands by keeping them clean. When possible, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Be sure to rub your hands vigorously together for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When hand washing isn’t an option, use an alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer or wipes. You should also clean your hands after using public restrooms, ATM machines, and escalator handrails as well as before preparing and serving meals at home; before eating in restaurants; after riding on public transportation such as trains, buses, and planes; and after coming home from being outside. It’s also important to keep your desk, or work area, counter tops, doorknobs, phones, faucets, and other commonly touched areas clean by wiping them down frequently with a product that says “sanitizing” or “disinfectant” on the label. Antibacterial products are meant to be used on the body and only kill a portion of the spectrum of bacteria that can make you sick. |
Fall Backwards
Daylight savings ends November 6th and it’s time again to move your clocks backward one hour. You’ve heard that every six months when you "fall backwards", it’s a good time to change the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, flip your mattresses and replace screens with storms windows. But did you also know that computer experts recommend changing your passwords to critical computer and online areas twice a
year as well?
Changing your passwords to log on to your computer or access critical stored information gets you in the habit of having a different one every so often. At the same time, it reduces the chance that someone else will be able to "break in" to your computer files or online information. Experts caution though that you shouldn’t "sequence" your passwords to make them easier to remember. If someone gets hold of an old password of yours, "green03," and it doesn’t work, it won’t take long for your average computer hacker to guess the new password is "green04" or "green05."
It’s a good idea to have different passwords for different things. This can be hard to do in practice because there are so many things needing passwords. Experts say having a couple different passwords can be helpful. Use one for less important things like your log on to the New York Times online or an Internet message board, and another, more complex one for more important things like your online banking or the place you store sensitive business documents on your hard drive.
Try to vary your passwords by using things that aren’t easy to guess or find out, like your Social Security number, your birthday, or child’s name. Another good idea, experts say, is including both letters and numerals in passwords. A good way to do this is to substitute numbers that look most like the vowels for a, e, i and o. "A" can be "4", "E" can be "3", "I" can be "1" and "O" can be "0". A password for an "agent" might be "4g3nt." These letter/number combinations are harder to guess but also, harder for a hacker to remember if they somehow are able to see them very briefly.
Whatever you do to make it easy for you to remember your passwords but hard for others to guess, consider changing your passwords when you turn off your outside water supply, change your clocks and detector batteries. You may be very glad you did!
|
Home Maintenance: Winter A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you’ll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home. Monthly | ||
|
|
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
|
|
Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule. | |
|
|
If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well. | |
|
|
Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks. | |
Winter
|
Inside | |
|
Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Clean or replace as necessary. | |
|
Consult your owner’s manual for your hot water heater. Most recommend draining a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank to control sediment build-up to maintain its efficiency. | |
|
Check all fire extinguishers. Recharge or replace as necessary. | |
|
Review family’s escape and preparedness plans for fire and natural disaster. | |
|
Check locks on doors and windows to ensure they are functioning properly. | |
|
Make sure the basement floor drain’s trap contains water. Refill as necessary. | |
|
Throughout the winter, watch for excessive moisture build-up. Take necessary action whenever excessive build-up exists to prevent future maintenance and health problems. (For example, excessive condensation on windows.) | |
|
Test all faucets and monitor for signs of dripping. Change washers as needed. (If a faucet leak persists, it may need replacement.) | |
|
Check and clean drains in sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls and dishwasher. | |
|
Test all plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are in proper working order. | |
|
Monitor windows and doors for cold air leaks or ice accumulation. Note any problems for repair or replacement in the spring. | |
|
Check attic for frost accumulation. If there is excessive accumulation, it may require repair. | |
|
Before installing indoor or outdoor seasonal lights, check all electrical cords, plugs and outlets for signs of wear. Test cords and plugs, if they feel warm to the touch or show any signs of wear, replace immediately. | |
|
|
|
|
Outside | |
|
Test all outside lights and timers to make sure they are functioning properly. | |
|
Before installing indoor or outdoor seasonal lights, check all electrical cords, plugs and outlets for signs of wear. Test cords and plugs, if they feel warm to the touch or show any signs of wear, replace immediately. | |
|
Check roof for ice dams or icicles. If there is excessive staining or frost on the roof’s underside or excessive ice accumulation on the roof itself, it may require repair. | |
|
Home Maintenance: Fall A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you’ll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home. Monthly | ||
|
|
|
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. |
|
|
|
Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule. |
|
|
|
If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well. |
|
|
|
Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks. |
Fall
|
Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detector | ||
|
|
|
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. |
|
|
|
Change the batteries in both. This should be done twice a year. |
|
|
|
|
|
Furnace / Heating System | ||
|
|
|
Have your system serviced by a qualified service company. |
|
|
|
If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum them to remove dust. |
|
|
|
Remove the grills on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts. |
|
|
|
If you use a portable humidifier, it’s time to clean it. |
|
|
|
|
|
Water Heater | ||
|
|
|
Extend its life expectancy by draining a gallon or two of water from your hot water heater at least twice a year. |
|
|
|
|
|
Windows and Doors | ||
|
|
|
Put up storm windows. |
|
|
|
Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass. |
|
|
|
Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. |
|
|
|
Make sure all doors to the outside shut tightly. Renew weather stripping as required. |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside | ||
|
|
|
Check your chimney for obstructions, such as bird’s nests. |
|
|
|
Clean gutters and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. |
|
|
|
Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall. Remove mulch from the foundation wall as well. This helps prevent water damage. |
|
|
|
Drain and store outdoor hoses. Prepare your outdoor faucets for winter freezes. |
|
|
|
Protect young trees and bushes for winter and winterize gardens. |
|
|
|
Trim shrubs and trees so that they clear the foundation, exterior walls, and roof of the house. |
|
|
|
Store outdoor furniture. |
|
|
|
|
|
Well Water / Septic Tank | ||
|
|
|
If you have well water, test the water quality. Testing for bacteria twice a year is suggested. |
|
|
|
If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before spring. As a general rule, septic tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years. |
Congratulations! You have been patient, planned your project, done your research, and located an awesome contractor who will become a part of your family for the next few months. Once you have chosen a contractor no work should begin on your home until you have received, reviewed, and signed a written contract. The written contract should spell out in detail exactly what will take place before, during, and after your project is complete. You need to be sure that everyone involved is thinking, talking, and working on the same page.
What is a Written Contract?
In dealing with home construction projects, a written contract is a legally binding document between you, the homeowner, and the contractor you hire. It specifies the work to be completed, the amount of money to be paid for the work, and the separate responsibilities that both you and the contractor must fulfill. A written contract is needed to ensure that all parties involved understand their obligations and to make sure that nothing is left open to an individual's interpretation. The written contract will protect the homeowner against a dishonest contractor or one who does poor quality work. It also protects contractors and ensures that they will be paid in a timely manner. A contract is also the best tool for settling disagreements if things should go wrong and end up in a legal dispute. In short, do not ever start a project without protecting yourself and your home.
Minimum Home Construction/Repair Written Contract Requirements
Many states, by law, have specific minimum requirements for home construction written contracts...read and understand them! These requirements are often found on state or attorney general websites. Here are 9 important items that should be in every written contract:
1. Names of Both Parties: This should be obvious but isn't always the case. The name, address and phone number of both the contractor and the homeowner is an absolute necessity.
2. Location: This is the physical address of the property upon which the construction work is to be done. So simple yet often ignored. Don't let this come back to haunt you.
3. Work Dates: This is the date the project will start and the estimated date of completion. Either or both of these dates may be changed if work cannot begin or end due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. This needs to be agreed to in writing and signed by both parties. This helps eliminate a contractor taking a month to do a project that should be completed in a week.
4. Contract Price: This is the total contract price including all costs to be incurred in the proper completion of the project. A contract based on a "cost-plus" formula, which is the agreed upon percentage and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials, needs to be handled in its own way.
5. Payment: This is the method of payment, with the initial down payment being limited to no more than what the state law allows at that time. Many contracts include a down payment and then a percentage of the remaining cost is paid as the project continues.
6. Description of the Work: This is a general description of the work to be completed by the contractor and materials to be used. If the homeowner requests specific materials or products then it is advised that they be spelled out in the contract to avoid confusion.
7. Warranty: A warranty statement should state that the contractor ensures that his work will be free from faulty materials, constructed according to the standards of the state and/or local building code, and constructed in a skillful manner and fit for habitation or appropriate use.
8. Resolution of Disputes: This is a statement that allows the homeowner and contractor the option of resolving contract disputes using select methods. Potential options are:
Binding arbitration - an arbitrator is agreed upon and assigned to make any final decisions.
Nonbinding arbitration - either party can chose to ignore the arbitrator's decision and proceed with a lawsuit, if necessary.
Mediation - both parties agree to allow a mediator to help resolve their differences.
9. Change orders: A change order is a written agreement that both parties sign when any change is made to the original written contract.
Other provisions the homeowner might want to consider adding to the written contract:
· Lien releases to ensure that you are not held liable for any third-party claims of nonpayment.
· Details pertaining to access to your home, care of the premises, phone and bathroom use, cleanup, and trash removal. · Daily start and stop times (unless you want them there for breakfast and to tuck you in at night).
· Information on who will obtain and pay for necessary permits and other approvals.
Once presented with a written contract take the necessary time to read it thoroughly and ask questions if you don't understand something. Make sure everything you requested is on the contract BEFORE you sign it. And finally, NEVER sign a partially completed or blank contract!
|
Home Maintenance: Summer A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you’ll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home. Monthly | ||
|
|
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
|
|
Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule. | |
|
|
If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well. | |
|
|
Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks. | |
Summer
|
Inside | ||
|
|
Deep clean carpets and rugs. | |
|
|
Vacuum air duct grills and bathroom fan grill. | |
|
|
Inspect your dryer’s lint duct. Disconnect it from the dryer and vacuum out lint from the duct and areas surrounding your dryer. | |
|
|
Inspect windows and doorways. Replace damaged caulking and weather stripping. | |
|
|
Have a thorough termite inspection if you don’t currently have a termite service. Follow up on any treatment and repair recommendations. It will save you money in the long run. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Basement | ||
|
|
Check pipes for condensation or dripping. | |
|
|
Check the basement floor trap to be sure it contains water. Refill as necessary. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside | ||
|
|
Inspect driveway and walk ways. Make repairs as needed. | |
|
|
Remove or prune any plants, shrubs or trees that penetrate the foundation, siding or brick. | |
|
|
Check exterior siding and trim for signs of damage. Clean, repair and/or replace as needed. | |
|
|
Check for and seal holes that could be an entry point for pests and rodents. | |
|
|
Make a visual inspection of your roof (or hire a professional to do so). Note the general condition. Sagging could be a sign of structural damage and should be checked by a professional. Inspect all roof flashings, checking for signs of cracking or leakage. Replace broken or damaged shingles as needed. | |
|
|
Inspect the chimney cap and caulking. | |
|
|
Sweep out chimneys connected to a fireplace or wood burning appliance. Inspect the chimney for end-of-season problems. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Garage | ||
|
|
Test garage door to insure it is opening properly and hardware is secure. | |
|
|
Lubricate garage door hardware. If you have a garage door opener, lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted. | |
|
The top questions to ask your mortgage professional There are all sorts of mortgage brokers and lenders willing and able to help you find a loan program that's best for you. Here are some things to think about while choosing one — and questions to ask the ones you're deciding among.
Ask tough questions. The mortgage professional you're considering is supposed to work for you!
|
|
Should you DIY or hire a professional? |
|
Do you know how to do the work? This may seem like a silly question, but many people Would you make the situation better or worse? If you get into a project and find out Do you have the time? Your spare time is valuable. While you may be able to handle While many homeowners like to take on DIY projects, some people simply fear hiring a 10 Tips For Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up
|
|
Home Maintenance: Spring A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a Monthly | ||
|
|
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
|
|
Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and | |
|
|
If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well. | |
|
|
Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks. | |
Spring
|
Inside | ||
|
|
Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Clean or replace as necessary. | |
|
|
Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys. Have each clean and serviced as needed. | |
|
|
When heating season is complete, shut down and clean furnace humidifier. | |
|
|
Check air conditioning system and clean or replace air filters. Have system serviced as need (recommend every 2 to 3 years). | |
|
|
Check and clean dehumidifier as necessary. | |
|
|
Where possible, turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Basement | ||
|
|
Ensure sump pump is operating properly. Check to be sure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside | ||
|
|
If applicable, have well water tested for quality. | |
|
|
Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture. Repair as required. | |
|
|
Check paint on outside walls and fence. Repair and paint as necessary. | |
|
|
Check level of any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling. Re-level as necessary. | |
|
|
Check and clean out gutters and downspouts. Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home. Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation. | |
|
|
Remove any debris from drainage ditches and culverts. | |
|
|
Prune and fertilize landscaping as necessary. | |