Emil Lupu Real Estate Agent

Three things to consider before purchasing your first home

Emil — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Buying your first home will likely be one of the most exciting and scary times of your life. Beyond the basic considerations – location, number of bathrooms, ranch style vs. multilevel – there are a number of important financial factors to determine before deciding which house is right for you.

1. Determine how a home purchase will affect your current lifestyle. In addition to the overall expense of the home, it is important to consider how long you plan to stay in the home, as well as your overall debt, both on credit cards and other loans. According to Investopedia.com, affordability should be the No. 1 thing you look for in a home, but you also need to be stable enough to know you are going to want to live in the home you pick for at least 10 years. If not, you could get stuck in a home you can’t afford in a city you’re ready to leave.

Not surprisingly, location not only affects affordability, but also potential resale value. Amy Hoak of MarketWatch states, “Homes located within walking distance of amenities such as schools, parks and shopping aren’t only more convenient for their owners, often they’re also worth more than homes in neighborhoods where driving is the rule.” Consider your lifestyle when you choose a location. Spending more to live within strolling distance of your favorite shops and restaurants is only valuable if you’ll take advantage of that proximity. BankRate.com offers a handy tool to help predict your monthly mortgage payments in different communities.

2. Consider your options for purchasing a home. Building a new home gives you greater control over style and finishes, though your move-in date will depend on the construction schedule. Newer existing homes will likely require fewer updates than an older home, but may be priced at a premium. If you are shopping for a starter home, consider your plans for the future. A smaller house may require less home maintenance and upkeep, but if you are looking for a larger long term investment and a place to grow and raise a family, opting for more space from the get-go may make the most sense.

3. Whatever the condition or age of the home you purchase, there’s always the chance you’ll want to make some changes, such as renovating a bathroom or upgrading your kitchen, or remodeling parts of the home to accommodate an expanding family. Try to anticipate and factor these costs into your total budget before purchasing a home. When it’s time for these changes, will you be ready financially?

According to Consumer Reports, kitchen and bathrooms are at the top of homeowner’s wish lists in terms of rooms that need work. Luckily, updating the kitchen or bathroom to reflect your personal style doesn’t have to be an expensive task. Replacing your plumbing fixtures and finishes can dramatically transform the space. No matter if your design preference is modern or contemporary, Delta Faucet offers a wide range of styles and designs at various price points to meet your needs. For instance, the Linden kitchen and bath collection, in the Venetian Bronze finish, offers a striking combination of transitional style and old-world charm. Carry that look throughout the space with coordinating accessories and a fresh coat of paint for an affordable room makeover.

Buying a home is one of life’s major milestones. If you are just starting the house hunting process, consider starting your search online at sites such as Zillow, Houzz, and Pinterest to get a feel for the homes and decor styles that appeal to you most. In addition to finding styles you like, this research will also help you find potential options within your price range. Remember, before making any purchases, consider your total budget and make sure you’re prepared for not just the mortgage, but also any necessary improvements.

Avoiding five mistakes that even good homeowners make

Emil — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning unattended? Or left home without turning on the security system? You probably made a mental note to yourself to not do it again, but otherwise didn’t think much about it.

But next time, you might not get so lucky. A simple “uh oh” could lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home.

“We recommend homeowners adopt a mindset of thinking about the consequences of things, of what could go wrong,” says Dr. Tim Reinhold, senior vice president of research and chief engineer for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Here are five tips to avoid common homeowner mistakes:

Tip 1: Clean out the filter on your clothes dryer

Why? Fire. Those wads of lint that get caught in your dryer’s filter can pose a major fire hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that dryers cause more than 15,000 fires a year.

Your strategy: Be sure to completely empty the lint trap every time you use your dryer. Also, make sure your dryer ducts are metal, since they’re less likely to sag and allow lint to build up.

Tip 2: Trim tree branches that hang close to your home

Why? Roof or other property damage. A storm or high winds could sweep through your neighborhood and knock those branches onto your roof, causing serious damage.

Your strategy: Consult an arborist or tree surgeon about any trees in your yard that might present a hazard.

Tip 3: Don’t put cardboard boxes from recent big-ticket purchases out on the curb with the garbage

Why? Theft. By placing boxes in a visible location, you’re sending a signal to burglars that you have valuable items in your home.

Your strategy: Cut boxes up and put them into the garbage or recycling bin.

Tip 4: Make your house look occupied when you’re on vacation

Why? Theft. An empty home can be an easy target for thieves.

Your strategy. Have your mail and newspaper deliveries suspended or have a trusted neighbor retrieve and safeguard them until your return. “Not only do piles of mail signal that a house is vacant, but thieves can sift through letters to steal your identity,” says Joe Vahey, vice president at Erie Insurance. “You also may want to arrange for someone to maintain your lawn if you’ll be gone for more than a few days, and consider installing central alarms, motion detectors, or timed lights that will illuminate the area around your house at night.”

Tip 5. Check appliance water hoses

Why: Water damage. Hoses for washers and refrigerators wear out and need to be replaced before they spring a leak. The water supply line to the icemaker can also be a water leak waiting to happen.

Your strategy: Replace washing machine hoses every five years. If you see the plastic line along the back of the refrigerator becoming discolored (yellow or brown), have an appliance repair expert check it out.

Despite your best efforts to properly maintain and protect your home, accidents and mishaps still happen, which is why it’s also important to know what your homeowners insurance does, and doesn’t, cover. For example, no homeowners insurance will cover flood damage from natural disasters, so you may want to seek federal flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. In addition, check to see if yours is a guaranteed replacement cost policy, which would pay to rebuild your home if it’s severely damaged or destroyed. The coverage is rare, but some companies like Erie Insurance include it in their standard homeowners policies. For more information on homeowners insurance, visit www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners.

Essential insurance you can’t live without

Emil — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move to help ride out a recovering economy, but don’t be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet.

Some people appear to be doing just that. Statistics from the Insurance Research Council, for example, indicate 16 percent of American drivers are uninsured. Nearly half of those say the reason is they can’t afford insurance. And three out of every five U.S. homes are underinsured, with homeowners skimping by paying less for insurance, but running the risk they won’t be able to rebuild their homes if disaster strikes.

You should resist the urge to eliminate car and homeowners insurance in tough times, advises Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with insurer QBE. “Not having insurance may save on premium payments, but it can cost you much more when the unexpected happens,” he says. “Insurance premiums are a bargain compared to the financial issues that could pile up if you have an accident, your house burns down or someone is injured on your property.”

Valinotti notes the insurance protections you can’t do without:

* For your auto – Laws in all states require drivers to either have auto insurance or be able prove they are financially able to pay for an accident. In addition, if you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender typically requires that you carry comprehensive insurance – which covers loss from theft or damage from something other than an accident – as well as collision insurance as part of the loan agreement.

Valinotti says if you don’t carry minimum amounts of insurance or can’t provide proof of financial responsibility, you might face fines, license suspension or even jail time. “Make sure you know what you need to meet the minimums for auto insurance liability, bodily injury and property damage required in your state.”

If your budget allows, consider uninsured and underinsured driver coverage. “In these challenging economic times, chances are you could get hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance,” Valinotti says. “If that happens, you need to protect yourself.”

* For your home – You can legally own a home without insuring it. But Valinotti says going without insurance is a huge risk you don’t want to take, especially in a bad economy. And, if you have a mortgage, your lender will most likely require you to carry insurance – and in some regions, additional flood and earthquake coverage – to protect its investment.

A standard homeowners policy comes with the coverage you need built in: for your home’s structure if you need to repair or rebuild it, for your personal belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed, for liability protection against lawsuits, and to pay for additional living expenses if you can’t live there due to damage from an insured disaster.

Valinotti says instead of thinking of dropping your homeowners insurance, look at ways to lower the cost. “Raise your deductible, or see about getting discounts, such as buying your homeowners and auto insurance from the same company,” he says. “You can also keep your premiums in line by reviewing your policies and the value of your possessions at least once a year.”

Connect on your patio or porch, enjoy the new view

Emil — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to get outside to relax with family and friends. Today’s homeowners want their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their homes, with 80 percent saying a patio or front porch are “must haves,” according to a survey of residential architects by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“What’s old is new again as the front porch is again a popular place to connect with your friends, family and neighbors,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors. “Plus the patio offers a secluded spot to grill, entertain, kick back and relax.”

To enhance both the indoor and outdoor look and comfort of a home, install a new patio door. Pella offers a variety of energy-efficient patio doors from classic to contemporary.

For example, the Pella 350 Series vinyl patio doors provide style, energy efficiency and durability, without breaking the bank. Or consider transforming your ho-hum space into an outdoor showplace by choosing a new Pella Architect Series patio door that features enhanced air and water performance with a low sill height to help reduce potential trips or falls. Available with HurricaneShield impact-resistant glass options, they’re ideal for hurricane-prone areas or virtually anywhere you want added soundproofing and year-round security.

Create an outdoor oasis

Consider these tips from design experts at Lowe’s to create the coolest patio on the block:

* Mix functional furniture. Coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms since you and your guests will likely spend time in both areas. Group pieces together to encourage conversation and showcase an attractive view.

* Add colorful accessories. Incorporate rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in bright colors and fun patterns. Some of the season’s top color palettes include rich reds, bright blues, soft neutrals and garden greens.

* Incorporate a fire pit. Adding a fire pit brings pleasant memories of the past. Roast marshmallows, share stories and enjoy the night. For safety’s sake, keep furnishings away from the fire pit and extinguish the fire completely before you turn in for the night.

* Lightscape instead of landscape. Lighting can help show off what you already have in your outdoor space. Add depth with lightscaping from different sources. String lights provide a magical setting for guests after the sun sets. A wall lantern next to the patio door or LED garden and path lights add a soft illumination to your outdoor area.

For more home improvement inspiration, and to find energy-efficient Pella Windows and Doors in your area, visit Pella.com or call 888-847-3552.

Considering a pool, spa or hot tub? What you should know before you hire a contractor

Emil — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Does your dream backyard include a lush lawn, lovely landscaping and – at the heart of the action – a pool, spa or hot tub? If so, you’re not alone, and this might be your year to turn that dream into reality.

A recent survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) found that 82 percent of homeowners said they would use their backyard more if they had a pool, spa or hot tub. Nearly as many believe that adding one of those features would turn their backyard into an everyday vacation spot. The good news is that the right APSP certified professional can help make that backyard dream achievable and affordable.

“Owning a pool, spa or hot tub is less expensive than you may think,” says Bill Weber, APSP president and CEO. “Advances in technology have improved ease of operation and energy efficiency making the backyard pool, spa and hot tub experience within reach of more homeowners than ever before.”

If you’ve been dreaming of a pool, spa or hot tub, this is your year to make it happen. APSP offers insider tips to use when you call that special contractor to do the job.

* Experience – Experience is more than just the number of years someone’s been in business. Does the contractor you’re considering have experience building pools or installing hot tubs in backyard environments similar to yours? Ask to see samples of past work and look for yards with conditions similar to yours, especially if your home or yard has unique challenges like slopes or drainage issues.

* Cost – Has the contractor considered all factors in the cost estimate? Keep in mind factors that influence price go beyond just the size and shape of the installation; your contractor should also consider the quality of the materials, design, construction and installation time, durability and warranties into your cost estimate.

* Safety – Safety is a key concern for pool, spa and hot tub owners. Is your contractor bonded, insured and versed in all applicable installation/building regulations and standards for your state and community? Does he or she understand any unique safety concerns you may have, such as the presence of a special needs child in the home or a high-traffic corner lot where your pool may be an attractive temptation to neighborhood children?

* Vision – Does your contractor understand your vision for your backyard pool, spa or hot tub and can he or she help make it as cost-effective as possible? Your contractor should be able to advise you on the best location for your new pool, spa or hot tub, and provide you with sketches or even a video of your yard to help you envision the customized finished product.

* Education and professionalism – Does your contractor participate in continuing education to stay abreast of the newest technologies, efficiencies and design trends in the industry?

* Professional certification – Is the contractor you’re considering an APSP certified professional? Contractors who achieve the APSP certification have proven knowledge of design and construction, are committed to continuing education to maintain their certification, and adhere to a stringent code of ethics. To find an APSP certified professional in your area, visit www.APSP.org/memberlocator.

Five renovations to make an even bigger splash with your backyard pool

Emil — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there’s not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained.

“Pools are a great investment, and the vast majority of owners say their pool is a great place to entertain,” says Bill Weber, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). “Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help pool owners enjoy their investment even more.”

APSP points to five renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment. The Association suggests homeowners consult with and hire an APSP-certified professional for the best possible results from any of these renovations:

1. Resurfacing – If your in-ground pool is made from concrete, time and use can cause the surface to deteriorate and become rough or even cracked. Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life. Choose options that provide durability, and consider multiple manufacturers’ products to ensure the best selection. For pools with a vinyl interior, a host of new patterns, available for replacement liners, can transform the appearance of the pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners also have several resurfacing options. Consult with an APSP-certified professional to determine the best product to make your fiberglass pool look like new.

2. New tile – Just as a kitchen backsplash can transform the overall look of the room, tile can set the tone for how your pool looks. Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make; it will give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of appearance.

3. Change the look of the pool deck – The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room. Deck choices range from man-made and natural materials to staining existing concrete. Know that old concrete does not necessarily need to be removed. Often you can fix unsightly cracks and dated concrete decks with a thick overlay and new finish.

4. Add a water feature – Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment. Water features also create a strong focal point for the pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool.

5. Lighting – While safety is a primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lights are functional staples, and fiber optic lighting can add striking color to a nighttime poolscape. Fiber optics are especially great around pools and landscaping because there’s no electrical current to worry about. Long-lasting LED replacement lights can typically be installed with little or no modification to the existing pool. The colored LED lights can create an entirely new mood around your pool while providing energy savings at the same time.

“Of course, there are many more renovations and improvements to consider,” Weber says. “Digital controls make operating pool equipment easier than ever, allowing you to control lighting, heating and cleaning with the touch of the button. And upgrades like adding a salt chlorinator system, solar cover and heater can improve the functionality and efficiency of a pool.”

Keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pool renovations can be done over several seasons, allowing you to make the improvements and fund your investment at a pace that works for you. Of course, to ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional through the organization’s website, www.apsp.org. APSP-certified professionals are required to demonstrate proven knowledge of design, construction and service, follow a strict code of ethics, and must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification.

“Most renovations are quite affordable, and can dramatically change the look of your backyard,” Weber says. “It’s important to ensure your project is performed by a certified professional who can help you turn your vision into reality safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Real estate: Tips on buying and financing your first home

Emil — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is alive and well. But for others, it’s still an elusive dream.

Only five years ago, it was relatively easy to finance a home, but the Great Recession and the mortgage market’s meltdown have made it difficult for many people to qualify for home loans. The shifting state of home values and prices has complicated matters. In some markets, values have plunged by more than 40 percent. While that has created once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for younger people to enter the real estate market, others have taken a more cautious approach, waiting to see if prices will continue to fall.

Whether you’re ready now or will be down the road, buying your first home takes preparation. Here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading website for free legal information, on how to get started.

Save aggressively for your down payment. Many first-time homebuyers seek a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Association, which insures loans made by lenders for qualifying homebuyers. The program allows buyers to put down as little as 3.5 percent of a home’s cost. However, if the home you want to buy doesn’t qualify for the program, you’ll need to obtain a conventional loan, which will require you to put down anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment to qualify for a mortgage.

Get your finances in order. Lenders are now taking a closer look at debt-to-income ratio (percentage of monthly income that goes toward debt payments) and housing-to-income ratio (percentage of monthly income that goes toward housing payments). In general, responsible lenders follow the 28/36 percent rule – no more than 28 percent of your monthly income should go to housing costs, and no more than 36 percent of your monthly income should go to debt (including auto loans, credit cards and other loans).

Clean up your credit report. Your credit score is critical to a mortgage application. The higher your score, the more likely you can qualify for a mortgage and obtain favorable terms (a lower down payment and lower monthly payments). By law, you can request one free credit report per year through one of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You should request your report to review your score and correct any mistakes well before you apply for a mortgage.

Don’t apply for credit. Keep in mind that a mortgage lender is determining your ability to pay back a mortgage up until the minute you sign the mortgage papers. In general, it’s not a good idea to take on more debt such as an auto loan or a new credit card within a year of buying a home.

First-year expenses. First-time homebuyers can be so focused on trying to put together a down payment that they sometimes forget about the expenses that go into setting up a household. You should consider putting away an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for expenses such as a lawnmower, furniture and basic decorating, and for potential repairs involving your furnace, air conditioning, water heater and other appliances.

Shop around. It’s important to shop around to get the best home possible for your dollar. And likewise, it’s critical to shop around for a mortgage too. Get at least three to four proposals from different mortgage lenders before deciding on the best offer.

Don’t expect your dream home. Many first-time homebuyers purchase what’s called a “starter” home or a “fixer-upper.” While these are often relatively small and need some repairs, they’re also an opportunity to enter the real estate market and build sweat equity. To spot a starter home, look for one that needs some love and attention in a neighborhood with houses that are well maintained or being remodeled.

Hire an attorney. If you purchase a home directly from the seller without the assistance of a real estate agent, an experienced real estate attorney can help you write up a purchase agreement, according to FindLaw.com. Some sellers may be interested in this option, because it can save them thousands of dollars in commission fees. A real estate attorney also can counsel you on dealing with legal problems that can arise during the process of buying a home, such as during the title search.

Home inspection. Even if you’ve come across the deal of a lifetime, never buy a house without a home inspection. An inspection will alert you to potential problems that may not be obvious to a person buying his or her first home. It also may be useful if you need to sue the seller for concealing problems with the home.

To learn more about how to buy your first home, visit www.FindLaw.com.

Bathroom remodeling ideas that add style and space

Emil — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Now, more than ever, homeowners are adding to the value and comfort of their homes by renovating bathrooms into private retreats with luxurious touches that rival those of an upscale spa or resort.

Ron and Susan Bishop of Adams Township, Pa., recently completed an extensive remodel of the master bathroom in their 20-year-old home. The remake covered nearly every square inch of the space, including the installation of new cabinets, tile, floor coverings and lighting. The couple says one of the biggest highlights is the custom shower enclosure, made from Clarvista glass by PPG, which uses a fused-on coating to keep its showroom appearance over time.

“Few things detract from the appearance of a luxurious bathroom more than a shower door covered with water deposits and soap scum,” Ron Bishop says. “Susan and I made it a point to find a product that would keep its good looks and be easy to maintain. We completed the renovation on our master bath more than a year ago, and the glass on our shower enclosure still looks brand new.”

When considering an update for your bathroom, whether you choose to do an extensive remodel or a smaller project, most kitchen and bath designers agree on these tips:

* Consider the size of the bathroom. If you have a small room, look for ways to make it feel more expansive. A sleek, stylish glass shower enclosure helps your bathroom appear more spacious, and in most instances, a frameless shower enclosure will provide the cleanest, most open look. If you decide to go with a framed shower enclosure, you’ll have two choices: frameless sliding doors or framed doors. For framed doors, be sure the finish of the metal framing and handles matches your bathroom fixtures.

* Think outside the box. Taking a creative approach to bathroom necessities can help you make the most of your space. For instance, the majority of shower enclosures are square or rectangular, but today’s designers encourage you to think about other shapes. Don’t be afraid to consider a circular or oval-shaped enclosure, a triangle or even a standard shape with an artfully bowed glass door, which can redefine the space and make your bathroom more versatile.

* Don’t skimp on the glass. All glass used for shower enclosures is safety glass, which means it is tempered to make it stronger and more shatterproof. That doesn’t mean all shower glass is alike, though. Most shower doors and enclosures are fabricated from conventional clear glass – which typically has a light, almost imperceptible green cast – or some variation of frosted glass. If you want a look that’s chic and ultra-clear, ask your bath designer or showroom retailer about Clarvista on Starphire glass.

* Brighten things up. Repainting your bathroom with light colors can make it feel more spacious. If your bathroom has windows or skylights, use window treatments and accents that maximize the amount of light that comes through to give the room a more airy feel.

* Find the best use for your space. Move bathroom cleaning items to a hall closet if you are stretched for storage space in your bathroom, especially if you have freestanding storage units that are taking up valuable floor space. If you need more storage space, consider adding built-in compartments if possible between your wall studs to maximize usuable space.

It’s been shown time and time again that remodeling a bathroom can add to a home’s value. Whether you want to sell or just enjoy your home more, it’s one of the most practical and dramatic ways to make your home more appealing. To discover more great ideas and inspiration for bathroom remodeling, visit www.ppgclarvista.com.

Choose a certified installer to create curb appeal with confidence

Emil — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Looking for a way to improve the curb appeal of your home? Re-siding your home with vinyl siding is a great investment because it never needs painting to maintain its beauty and durability.

Once you’ve made the decision to re-side your home with vinyl siding, however, you need a qualified contractor to install it properly to ensure long-lasting curb appeal.

“Vinyl siding is not something anyone with a hammer can install,” says Matt Russo, production manager with Hollingsworth Home Improvement in Naperville, Ill. “There are techniques that need to be followed.”

Look for installers certified through a program sponsored by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). A VSI Certified Installer knows how to:

* Correctly fasten siding to allow for vinyl’s normal expansion and contraction properties and keep it straight and secure on the wall.

* Properly prepare the area around doors, windows and other openings to prevent water infiltration.

* Pay attention to details that will give your home a beautiful appearance that will last.

When Margaret Seibert needed to have her 30-year-old siding replaced after a particularly heavy Minnesota storm, she looked to a firm that used only VSI Certified Installers to ensure a quality job. “They did a really good job, and I’m very satisfied with how it looks,” Seibert says.

“The main thing is not nailing the siding too tightly, but letting it move,” says Matt Ocel, owner of Ocel Buildings in Farmington, Minn., which completed Seibert’s re-siding job. “Especially with a climate where you go from 100-degree days to 40-below, you have to leave room for vinyl siding to expand and contract.”

With nearly 3,500 VSI Certified Installers across the U.S. and Canada, VSI offers a locator tool to help homeowners find professionals in their area. Log on to www.vinylsiding.org to learn more. Ask if your builder or home improvement contractor is using VSI Certified Installers; these qualified professionals carry a photo ID with their current certification number and expiration date.

VSI Certified Installers have demonstrated their installation skills and knowledge of the industry standard ASTM 4756, verified by an independent quality control agency. ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade and build consumer confidence. VSI Certified Installers must have a minimum of one year of experience installing vinyl siding and accessories, attend a hands-on course taught by a VSI Certified Trainer, pass a written test about proper installation practices, and be recertified every three years.

Vinyl siding installation companies can also become certified. The company must have an approved quality control program, as well as a certified installer or trainer present on every job crew where vinyl siding is being installed.

For more information about VSI’s program, visit www.vinylsiding.org/certifiedinstaller.

Protect large investments with small home fixes

Emil — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Today’s consumers are under mounting financial pressure at every turn, and are forced to be much smarter in buying decisions, especially for major investments. One big investment every consumer needs protected is their house and property. This is especially true as warmer weather arrives. From simple preparations like servicing your heating and cooling system units (HVAC), to protecting yourself against unexpected home emergency repairs, many homeowners often overlook simple measures that can end up having costly consequences.

“One challenge of home ownership is that the potential for expensive repairs is always out there,” says Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA, a provider of emergency repair service plans. “While unexpected problems can never be completely avoided, there are measures homeowners can take to protect their home now, and avoid costly repairs later.”

Here are five tips:

Service your air conditioner:

Spring is the perfect time to get your air conditioner into shape before the hot summer months. To ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible, replace your air filters at the beginning of the season, and ideally every 90 days. This will keep your air cleaner, reduce energy consumption and extend the overall life of your HVAC system. Another simple step is to clear away any debris from your outdoor AC unit, which will improve airflow around the unit. Also, make sure your vents are open and not blocked by furniture or any other items.

Check out your heating system:

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your furnace is in full working order before a winter emergency occurs. Consider heating system coverage for emergency repairs not generally covered by home insurance.

Curb unanticipated financial responsibilities with extra protection:

Homeowners insure their homes to protect it from unanticipated home emergencies – such as broken water service lines – as well as for peace of mind. However, homeowners often don’t know where their utility company’s responsibility ends and theirs begins. Many are surprised to find out they are typically responsible for repairs to the pipes and wires in and around their home (as the local utility is usually not responsible for these emergency repairs).

Look closely at your home insurance policy and check if your utility offers an emergency service contract. If not, consider signing up for an emergency repair service plan that covers gaps in your home insurance policy, which can range from exterior water and gas lines to plumbing and drainage systems to complete electrical and heating/cooling configurations. HomeServe USA offers affordable emergency repair service plans, starting around $5 a month, to cover plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, and will dispatch a local, licensed and insured contractor to make the necessary repairs.

Ensure your home is properly ventilated:

Excess moisture in homes can tarnish expensive fixtures, cause paint to peel and accumulate in wall cavities which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. To avoid moisture build-up, make sure basements and crawl spaces are free of water infiltration. Check that dehumidifiers or kitchen and bath ventilation fans are working properly to remove excess moisture. If not, a small investment today could not only save you money in the long run, but also provide cleaner indoor living environment for you and your family.

Prevent excessive energy bills:

Random air infiltration through gaps and cracks is a leading cause of energy loss in homes, accounting for 25 to 40 percent of energy loss in most residential structures, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Air sealing and insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to get the highest return on investment for the home, since the monthly amount saved on heating and cooling bills often exceeds the cost for these improvements. Home improvement retailers offer a variety of inexpensive (less than $15) insulating foam sealants that homeowners can apply to gaps and cracks around the home to literally “seal” against unwanted airflow to reduce energy bills.

As you start slathering on sunscreen this season, think about not only protecting your skin, but protecting your home with simple fixes that can keep it as healthy as can be.