Doing It Yourself

Frugal Friday

We’ve all been there—the furnace goes out, a pipe bursts, a tree limb breaks in a storm.  So you call out the experts and have them take care of the situation.  Then they hand you the bill.  Often, it’s sticker shock.  And you think to yourself, “I could have done that myself for less.” 

But realistically you know that there are some repairs that are past your level of expertise.  There are, however, many things you can do yourself to keep repair bills down.

·         Maintain your equipment—furnace, hot water heater, car, etc.  If you take care of it and have it checked on a regular basis, odds are you will avoid major problems that cost large amounts of money to repair.

·         Learn how to make minor repairs yourself.  Anyone can change a washer in a leaky faucet or install a new belt in a vacuum cleaner.  Not only will you save money on repair bills, you won’t have to purchase a new item to replace one that is fixable.

·         Make your own cleaning solutions and supplies.  These will be natural, ecologically-friendly products, rather than harsh chemicals that will ruin pipes, countertops, etc.

·         Inspect your own house on a regular basis.  Look for signs of water seepage, cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, loose tiles, etc.  Handling these issues at the early stages will keep them from getting more serious.

Take care of your home and your home will take care of you.

Bathtub and Shower Safety for Seniors

Senior Thursday

Bathrooms can be dangerous places because of slippery, wet surfaces.  But they are more so for seniors.  Seniors have less stability on their feet, and their bones are more brittle.  A fall can mean a bruise for someone in their 40s, but could be deadly for a senior.  Therefore, precautions should be taken for them at home.

·         All bathtub and shower areas should have grab bars.  They need to be installed professionally to hold up to the weight when pulled on. 

·         Showers and tubs should have rubber mats or some other non-slip surface.

·         Vertical grab bars from floor to ceiling are helpful in larger areas.

·         Areas should be kept clean because mildew and soap scum make surfaces even more slippery. 

·         Floors should be kept dry.  Make sure the shower curtain is kept securely inside the tub so no water splashes out. 

·         Use a transfer chair for the tub or shower if you are unstable on your feet.

·         Allow plenty of time to bathe.  Rushing can cause falls.

Handling the Heat Without Breaking the Bank

Frugal Friday

This has been a summer of record-breaking heat and drought.  It has been a struggle keeping flowers and trees alive, and keeping cool, especially if you lose power during a storm or don't have air conditioning.  Here are some tips for keeping cool, while still keeping money in your pockets.

·         If the air outside is dry, hang a wet sheet in your window to cool the breeze as it comes in.

·         Close blinds and drapes.  Line drapes with white fabric to reflect heat.

·         Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the breeze.

·         Keep your furnace and a/c unit cleaned and well-maintained.

·         Close your fireplace damper so the hot air isn't pulled in.

·         Keep windows and doors shut if the air outside is over 77 degrees.

·         Run a window fan when the temperature is cooler so you can trap the air inside.

·         Spritz yourself with cold water.

·         Run ceiling fans with your a/c.  The a/c removes the humidity and the fans make you feel cooler.

·         Shut off appliances or electronics that generate heat, like computers, when you aren't using them.

·         Skip the drying cycle on the dishwasher.

·         Remove your shoes.  The sweat evaporating on your feet will cool them.

·         Eat spicy meals. Perspiring will cool you down.

·         Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which causes your body temperature to rise.

·         Use the microwave or barbecue grill to cook.

·         Shut off the lights-they generate heat.

·         Dry your clothes outside or hanging in your laundry room.

·         Place rice in an old sock, tie the ends and freeze it.  Then place it in your bed to cool the sheets.

·         Read stories about cold places.

Keeping Your House Safe While On Vacation

Tips for Tuesday

Summer is upon us, and that means many of us will be going on vacation.  Whether it's for a long weekend or several weeks, your house will be empty.  July and August are prime months for thieves, as they know many houses are unoccupied while their owners are out of town.  There are ways to protect your home and belongings, though, so you don't become a victim.

·         Put your lights on timers, both inside and outside.   Put your television on a timer also.

·         Have your house well-lit, and trim shrubs and trees away from windows and doors. 

·         Inform your local police department that you will be out of town so they can watch for activity.

·         Ask a neighbor or family member to check on your house.  Give them a key.  This is especially important if there is a power outage.

·         Keep all doors and windows locked.

·         Cancel mail and newspaper delivery.  Papers piled up on the driveway are evidence you are not at home.

·         Adjust your thermostat.  Don't turn off the air conditioning, but rather keep the setting warmer than if you were home. 

·         If you have a swimming pool, secure the yard so nobody can access the pool.

·         Collect loose items from the yard and patio, including lawn chairs, so they don't blow around in a storm.

·         Unplug appliances and computers in the event of a power outage or power surge.

·         Don't publicize your vacation on Facebook or other social media.  You're announcing to the world that your house will be empty.

·         Place valuables in a safe deposit box at the bank.

·         Install an alarm system.

Maintaining Your Bicycle

Tips for Tuesday

More and more, people are turning to bicycles for transportation.  It may be to save money on gas.  It may be for exercise.  It may just be for pleasure.  Whatever the use, a bicycle, like a car, must be maintained in order to make it last. 

When pulling your bike out for the year, take it to a shop to be checked out.  A store can check tires and inner tubes for damage, lubricate the gears and check the chain.  They should also check the brakes and ensure that the saddle is secure and does not move. The bicycle frame should be aligned and undamaged, and the spokes should be straight. 

Clean and maintain your bike throughout the summer.  Have on hand the following tools:

·         Long-handled brush and toothbrush for scrubbing

·         Soft cloth for cleaning

·         Screwdriver set

·         Nuts and bolts specific to your bike (check your manual)

·         Adjustable wrench

·         Electrical tape

·         Puncture repair kit

Mark your bicycle by etching the number and zip code of your home into an inconspicuous part of the frame.  This would help identify it in case of theft.  To prevent theft, always keep your bike locked up.  If you use a chain, thread it through both wheels and around the frame.  If your bike has quick-release parts, remove these parts when you lock it up so it won't be as tempting to steal.  Remove any valuable accessories from your bike when you leave it. 

To make your bike less attractive to thieves, paint colorful designs on the frame, or use colored tape.  This will make it difficult to re-sell if stolen.  Thieves will move on to the next bike.

Bicycling can be a healthy part of your routine.  Keep it a safe one.

Outdoor Fall Prevention

Senior Thursday

In a previous post, we talked about senior safety in the home. Among the most common causes of injuries in the home are falls. But according to researchers, almost 50% of falls among the elderly population occur outdoors.

Fortunately, we can take steps to avoid falls in the home. That isn't as easy outside, where the property belongs to someone else. There are some things seniors can do, though, to help prevent falls outside the home.

• Don't drive or go outside when under the influence of medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Use a cane or walker for support.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes for good traction.
• Don't go outside in bad weather, such as snow, ice or rain.
• If you are outside in bad weather, walk on grass if the sidewalks are slippery.
• Have salt or kitty litter in your car in case you are in in your car when it starts to snow. Sprinkle it on sidewalks or parking lots where you need to walk.
• Be alert to your surroundings, taking note of uneven or high steps, slick floors or broken concrete.
• Businesses place down mats during the winter to absorb the water. Watch for uneven surfaces, and turned up corners.
• When in doubt, stay where you are and call for a ride.

Using Technology to Keep Seniors Safe

Senior Thursday

With the aging population rapidly increasing, there is also a large number of them staying in their homes. Sometimes they have a spouse or relative living with them. Sometimes they do not. And when they don't, there are risks to living alone. One of these is health issues. When seniors live alone, there is no one to monitor their medication, diets or health.

Today's technology can help. With monitoring services, family members and health care personnel have the ability to watch their parents or loved ones from remote locations.

There are systems that can remind seniors to take their medication. Considering 30 percent of hospitalizations for seniors are a result of incorrect dosing or missed doses, this is a very valuable service.

Another service available is video monitoring. This is especially important for Alzheimer's patients who might wander off and get lost. This would also be valuable for watching them when they cook, or if they fall.

Emergency buttons for alerting authorities (i.e. Life Alert) is a unit a senior can wear around the house. If they fall and injure themselves, and can't get to a phone, a push of the button will connect them to their local emergency services. Some adult communities also offer this sort of service.

So if you can't be near your loved ones, consider signing them up for one of these services--for your peace of mind as well as theirs.

Showing Your Home During the Holidays

Moving on Mondays

It is important to keep your house looking its best while it is on the market. This can be challenging if you have children, pets, or work full time. It can also be challenging during the holidays. Besides being busy with preparations, you have all that extra…clutter…around the house.

There's gifts, wrapping paper, decorations, cookies, and cards. You have packages to wrap and ship, recipes to find and bake, and cards to write, address and stamp. While projects in process can usually be left out, it's not a good idea when your house is on the market. You don't want the home to look too cluttered.

Here are some tips for keeping your home neat while it's on the market during the holidays:

• Keep decorations to a minimum. Don't overdo it by covering every inch of space with garland, trees or knick-knacks. Select a few key areas to decorate. Respect the fact that others may not share your traditions. Some potential buyers may be turned off by a home that is screaming "Christmas."
• Don't overcrowd rooms. Decorations can take up valuable floor space. Placing your tree in the corner means the chair has to come out into the middle of the room. Keep pathways clear, and store extra furniture off site if possible.
• Don't have packages (wrapped or unwrapped) piled under the tree. This is a prime time for thefts. Potential buyers may be thieves casing your house.
• Baking cookies can fill your home with wonderful aromas. Just make sure to put away all the ingredients and bake ware when you are done.
• If you are traveling during the holidays, let your real estate agent know you will be out of town. Put your lights on timers so the home is never dark during the hours it might be shown.

Helping the Elderly Handle Dangerous Situations

Senior Thursday

The world can be a dangerous place. There is crime aplenty, whether it's grabbing someone's purse at the market, or grabbing someone's identity off the internet. Seniors are an especially vulnerable group, perhaps because they are so trusting.

We can't be there to protect them every hour of every day. But there are some precautions you can teach them so they don't become another statistic.

• Scams can be in the form of mail, email, phone calls or visits to the house. Beware of anyone asking for money, even if they do look 'official.' Never give personal information over the phone. Never click on links in emails asking for account information. Never send money to anyone without checking their validity. Never walk out of your front door with a contractor that shows up unannounced. His cohorts will be going inside while you are around the corner looking at your roof or whatever.
• While outside shopping or on the street, never have your purse or wallet visible. Hold your purse close, but if someone grabs it, let it go without a struggle. Try to remember as many details about the assailant as possible. Never carry large amounts of money while outside alone.
• While inside, the home should be free of obstacles that may cause a fall. This includes high thresholds and area rugs. Be careful while cooking--never wear loose clothing near the stove. And remember to turn off any appliances. Also, install safety features such as grab bars, in the bathrooms. See our blog entry from August 8, 2011 for more safety tips. Or contact Prima By Design for an in-home safety assessment.

Safety During the Holidays--Travel

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is traveling to see family and friends, whether it's a across the street, or across the country.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with traveling. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Never discuss your plans with strangers, or with friends and family in front of strangers. This includes posting on social media sites such as Facebook. You are merely announcing that your home will be empty for an extended period of time.
• Ask a friend or family member to check on your home while you are gone. Also notify your local police department so they know the house will (or should be) vacant for a while.
• Cancel newspaper and mail delivery so the papers don't pile up on the porch or driveway--a sure sign you are away.
• Don't leave wrapped packages in plain sight of the windows.
• Don't leave empty boxes and garbage out for days if you won't be home for the regular pick-up. Ask a neighbor to take out the trash for you.
• Be sure the doors and windows are locked when you l;eave your home, even if it's only for a few minutes.
• Set lights on automatic timers (inside and outside) so you never leave your home in the dark. This is important now that the days are shorter.
• If you are traveling for a number of days, put a radio or television on a timer so it looks like someone is home.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Seven

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at bathrooms and kitchens for potential water disaster areas. This week, we're looking at bedrooms and living spaces.

• Are walls cracked or peeling/ have holes?
• Are carpets stained/ripped/worn?
• Are floors worn/cracked/stained?
• Do the windows operate properly?
• Do the window treatments work properly?
• Are any windows cracked?
• Does the woodwork need repair or staining?
• Do doors open/close properly?
• Are doors uneven?
• Do all locks work properly?
• Are there security locks/bolts on exterior doors?
• Are stairs in need of repair?
• Do stairways have railings?
• Are stair treads even?
• Is room wiring exposed?
• Is the room wired properly?

Safety During the Holidays--Children & Pets

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Keep decorations at least six inches above a child or pet's reach. They may cause a hazard if broken or be poisonous if ingested.
• Avoid using tinsel. Loose pieces that fall on the floor are tempting choking hazards.
• Ribbons on gifts should be no longer than 7 inches so a child doesn't wrap it around his neck and pets don't get tangled up in it.
• Avoid using small package decorations or ornaments on young children's packages, as they may present a choking hazard. Also check gifts from others for small pieces and other age-appropriate items.
• Store scissors from wrapping away from little hands.
• Watch children and pets around fireplaces or stoves.
• Some holiday plants are poisonous to pets. Check the ASPCA web site (http://www.aspca.org) for a list of plants and foods harmful to pets.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Seven

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we looked at bathrooms for potential water disaster areas. This week, we're looking at kitchens.

Kitchens
• Are the countertops in good condition?
• Are the countertops affixed properly?
• Does the plumbing show signs of leaking?
• Does the water line to the refrigerator work/leak?
• Does the garbage disposal work properly?
• Does the dishwasher work properly? Leak?
• Are all the appliances in good working condition?
• Is the floor in need of repair?

Safety During the Holidays--Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Have your chimney, flues or stove professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Keep flammable materials such as paper/wrappings, live evergreens and other decorations away from the fireplace or stove.
• Burn only clean, dry firewood.
• Check the damper to make sure it is open before starting a fire.
• Have a sturdy fireplace screen or other barrier around the fireplace/stove while it is burning to keep children and pets away.
• Ashes can stay hot for up to 48 hours. Take caution when cleaning out your fireplace/stove, and always use a metal container to dispose of ashes.
• Leave glass doors open when burning a fire to prevent creosote build-up in the chimney.
• Close glass doors when the fire is out so chimney air doesn’t' escape into room.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open to prevent creosote buildup inside the stove's chimney.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Six

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces and possible fire hazards. This week, we'll look at potential water disaster areas--your bathrooms.

Bathroom
• Do toilets flush properly?
• Do toilets show signs of leaking?
• Is the sink area/under dry?
• Is the sink top attached firmly to the vanity?
• Do the tiles in the tub/shower area need repair?
• Are the walls damaged from moisture or water?
• Is the whirlpool tub working properly?
• Do the pipes show signs of leakage?
• Does the ventilation fan work?
• Is the room equipped with a GFCI outlet?

Safety During the Holidays--Entertaining

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Keep an eye on the stove, oven or grill when cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires in the U.S.
• If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer at least ten feet away from the house.
• Turn pot handles in when cooking so you don't bump into them and little hands can't grab them.
• Unplug small electric appliances such as mixers and waffle irons when you are done with them so they don't get turned back on accidentally.
• Keep dangling cords on the counter and set back so kids or pets can't reach them.
• Don't leave hot dishes or liquids near the edge of the counter. Kids or pets might pull them over, or someone might brush up against the counter and knock them over.
• Supervise children when they are in the kitchen.
• Test all food for temperature before serving so it isn't too hot.
• Test internal temperature of meats to ensure they are cooked enough.
• When cooking on the stove top, always have a lid handy. If a grease fire starts, slide the cover over the pan and turn off the heat.
• Test smoke alarms before guests arrive.
• Place hot pots and pans on hot pads or towels. Never place them directly from the oven onto the counter or table.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Five

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces This week, we'll look at fire-hazard areas--the fireplace and laundry room.

Fireplaces
• Have the fireplace and chimney been cleaned recently?
• Is the masonry missing cement or mortar?
• Is the flue clear?
• Does the damper operate properly?

The Laundry Room
• Are appliances properly ventilated?
• Are vents clear of lint and debris?
• Is the wiring correct for the appliances?
• Are there signs of leaks from appliances?

Safety During the Holidays--Decorations

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Among these is decorating the house. While not as dangerous as it used to be with live trees and hot lights, there are still risks involved.

Decorating
• Choose decorations made with flame-resistant materials.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials, including trees.
• Never leave candles burning unattended in a room.
• Use non-breakable ornaments in homes with small children and pets.
• Keep trimmings with small pieces out of the reach of small children.

Trees
• Purchase artificial trees that are fire resistant.
• If purchasing a live tree, check for freshness and keep it watered. Cut several inches off the bottom of the trunk for better water absorption.
• Place trees away from heating sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
• Make sure the stand is steady so the tree doesn't tip. If you have carpeting, place a board under the stand.

Lights
• Don't use electric lights on metallic trees.
• Before hanging lights outside, check to make sure they are for outside use.
• Don't use nails or tacks to hold up lights. Use plastic clips instead.
• Look for burnt out bulbs and frayed wires before hanging lights.
• Plug all outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Turn off outside lights during rain or snowstorms.
• Turn off all lights before going to bed.
• Use heavy gauge extension cords.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?--Part Four

Moving on Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we had a checklist of things to look for in the attic. This week, we're looking at another storage space--your basement.

• Do walls show signs of seepage or past water damage?
• Are there cracks in the foundation?
• Is there rot in the woodwork?
• Is the electricity up to code?
• Are there signs of leakage from plumbing?
• Are basement windows operational? Broken?
• Do the stairs to the basement have a railing?
• Are stairs uneven/of equal height?
• Are there signs of pest or rodent infestation?
• Are there signs of water leakage from upper floors?
• Is the insulation adequate?
• Are there holes where the foundation meets the walls?
• Is the sump pump operational?
• Does the sump pump have battery back-up?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?--Part Three

Moving on Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These past weeks, we've had a checklist of things to look for outside your home. These next few weeks we'll look at the inside. Here's what to look for when inspecting your attic.

• Is the insulation good enough for weather conditions? The more extreme the temperatures, the more insulation you should have.
• Are there signs of rodent infestation? Find their nests and their point of entry.
• Is there proper ventilation? The presence of moisture indicates a problem.
• Are there signs of water leakage on the boards or trusses?
• Is the electrical wiring safe?
• Is the electrical wiring away from insulation and other hazards?
• Do any of the boards have cracks, or do they sag?
• Are access stairs in good condition?