The Costs of Renting Out Your House. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/27/10 09:05 PM
The Costs of Renting Out Your House. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.
Renting out your house can be a smart financial move, as long as you calculate your costs carefully.
There are many ways to do background checks on prospective tenants--credit reports, past evictions, and criminal background checks, to name a few. Image: Alloy Photography/Veer
The Costs of Renting Out Your House. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills … (0 comments)
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Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing? Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/26/10 10:00 AM
Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing? Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.
What to look for and consider to determine if you should replace plumbing and deteriorating pipes.
PEX meets building codes in most places, and is less expensive than copper. Image: Uponor
Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing? Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.
Nothing lasts forever, including the pipes inside your house. Over the decades, the … (1 comments)
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Charcoal Grills and Smokers - 05/21/10 11:42 AM
Outdoor Appliance Guide: Charcoal Grills and Smokers
With models priced from $35 to $1,000, there are charcoal grills to fit the budget of anyone who's a fan of traditional barbecue.
Many outdoor cookers, including this one, can be configured for use as a smoker. Image: Big Green Egg
A charcoal grill can be as basic as a 55-gallon drum cut in half and turned on its side, or as extravagant as a $1,000 ceramic-lined cooker. When shopping for a charcoal grill, author and barbecue expert C. Clark "Smoky" Hale urges consumers to stop and ask themselves the following questions: … (0 comments)
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills - 05/21/10 11:38 AM
Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills
With models priced from $29 to $5,000 and up, outdoor gas grills offer convenience and ease-of-use to fit any budget.
Grills priced between $350 and $600 will be large enough to handle food for 15 to 18 people. Image: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
There may be no home cooking appliance with a wider price range than the outdoor gas grill. With models starting as low as $29 and climbing to $5,000 and higher, it is an understatement to say there's is a model for every budget. When shopping for a gas grill, the motto "You … (1 comments)
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Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/19/10 08:36 PM
Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Despite guidelines from the federal government to streamline short sales and improved fraud prevention, home sellers experiencing financial distress continue to be discouraged with the often confusing short sale process. Realtors® at today's "Short Sale Seller Advisory: Professional Development Forum" … (0 comments)
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Is an Active Greywater System for You? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/18/10 11:10 PM
Is an Active Greywater System for You? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Active greywater systems cut household water use, but cost and health codes are obstacles for prospective users.
This toilet uses an active greywater system--after each flush, fresh water is sent through the faucet for hand washing, then drains into the tank to be used for the next flush. Image: Caroma
Is an Active Greywater System for You? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom … (0 comments)
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Is the Cost of Flood Insurance Worth It? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/17/10 10:40 PM
Is the Cost of Flood Insurance Worth It? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Flooding risks, as well as the value of your home and your possessions, help determine whether the cost of flood insurance is worth it.
Homeowners may be required to carry flood insurance if their homes are in high-risk areas, called Special Flood Hazard Areas. Image: Alloy Photography/Veer
Is the Cost of Flood Insurance Worth It? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home … (0 comments)
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8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House . New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. - 05/17/10 12:03 AM
8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House . New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.
For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks-about $350-you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home.
<!-- <p><strong>Caulking wide cracks</strong></p> --> Learn which materials are best for sealing various-size air leaks around windows, according to home improvement expert Joe Truini. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com.
8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around … (0 comments)
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Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. - 05/16/10 11:58 PM
Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.
Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort.
<!-- <p><strong>Installing attic insulation</strong></p> --> Home improvement expert Joe Truini demonstrates the best way to install craft-paper insulation in your attic. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com.
Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart … (0 comments)
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Cleaning and Caring for Siding. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. - 05/16/10 11:30 PM
Cleaning and Caring for Siding. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.
The annual cleaning and repair of your home's siding will pay off in a long life and increased value.
Power washing a house is tricky. If done incorrectly, the water can strip paint, gouge wood, and cause other damage. Image: iStockphoto/Briss
Cleaning and Caring for Siding. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.
If you'd like … (0 comments)
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How to Participate in City Planning, County Planning Efforts. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/14/10 02:25 PM
How to Participate in City Planning, County Planning Efforts. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Have a positive impact on your community by getting involved in city and county meetings that affect your area's future development.
If you attend a hearing, be as specific as possible about your concerns and how the project might affect you. Image: Eric Audras/Getty Images
How to Participate in City Planning, County Planning Efforts. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home … (0 comments)
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The Silvergate. New Construction Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder Building Good Quality Homes Throughout Saratoga County. - 05/13/10 02:03 PM
The Silvergate. New Construction Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder Building Good Quality Homes Throughout Saratoga County.
The Silvergate
The Silvergate. New Construction Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, a Custom Home Builder Building Good Quality Homes Throughout Saratoga County.
Arched openings over the garage doors and a metal accent roof are just two of the thoughtful exterior details that lend curb appeal to the Silvergate.
The Silvergate. New Construction Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, … (0 comments)
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Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/12/10 10:51 PM
Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property.
Your separate structure will likely fall under residential zoning laws, not business, if it's meant for just you, a computer, and the occasional client dropping by. Image: www.DecoratedShed.com
Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
… (0 comments)
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Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Tood Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/12/10 10:41 PM
Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Tood Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but be prepared to spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience.
Outdoor pizza ovens, which are gaining in popularity, typically cost between $700 and $6,000. Image: Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Tood Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
"There is a trend away from simple barbecue … (0 comments)
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Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/11/10 12:37 AM
Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
It doesn't take much effort to reduce standby power consumption; and you could save the equivalent of a few tanks of gas a year.
You might save the equivalent of three or four tanks of gas each year by reducing your home's standby election consumption. Image: Joseph Devenney/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images
Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder … (0 comments)
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Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/11/10 12:28 AM
Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Qualifying for the $1,500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors depends on two measurements, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
The National Fenestration Rating Council and Energy Star can tell you how energy efficient windows and doors are. Image: Andersen
Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Just … (0 comments)
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Claim Your Residential Energy Tax Credits. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/09/10 07:38 PM
Claim Your Residential Energy Tax Credits. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
Earn a residential energy tax credit and lower your utility bills at the same time when you improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Do you qualify?
- You may qualify for a tax credit if:
You make an eligible energy upgrade in 2009 or 2010. The project meets IRS energy-efficiency standards. Your credits won't exceed your total tax liability.
Energy-efficient improvements to your home, such as adding insulation, can make you eligible … (0 comments)
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Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/09/10 07:29 PM
Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
From energy tax credits to vacation home deductions, check out these tax tips for homeowners looking ahead to 2010 returns.
If you believe your real estate assessment is too high, you can always appeal it and possibly save on your property tax bill. Image: Tetra Images/Getty Images
Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction … (0 comments)
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7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/07/10 11:35 PM
7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
The answers to these questions will help you zero in on the architect who's right for your project, your budget, and your personality.
Many architects have a signature style that appears in their work. Talk with the architect before the project starts to make sure you're on the same page. Image: hana/Datacraft/Getty Images
7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills … (2 comments)
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Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/07/10 11:17 PM
Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
An architect can add to the cost of your remodeling project, but there are times when it pays to hire a design professional.
You can hire an architect for the design phase only or for the entire project, start to finish. Image: rubberball/Getty Images
Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project? New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt … (1 comments)
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Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY, Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/04/10 11:07 PM
Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY, Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
When adding electrical service for a workshop or studio, budget to meet your immediate needs while building in flexibility for the future.
When building a workshop, be sure to decide early on where you want receptacles, light switches, and fixtures to go. Image: Comstock Images/Getty Images
Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY, Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder … (0 comments)
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What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Saratoga County. - 05/02/10 09:21 PM
What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Saratoga County.
Review your remodeling contract carefully and adjust it to make sure it protects you in terms of payments, work schedules, and project specifications.
Unless the contractor signs the document, it doesn't matter what it says-it's not a valid contract. Image: © Masterfile
What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Saratoga County.
Even if you never intend … (0 comments)
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5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/02/10 09:14 PM
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
You're ready to remodel but you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job. Here's what to ask the candidates before you decide.
A local contractor with a reputation to uphold is a better option than one that has to commute from far away. Image: John Lund/Marc Romanelli/Getty Images
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale … (1 comments)
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The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/02/10 09:00 PM
The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
The best way to protect yourself against unscrupulous contractors is to be alert to the warning signs of these common home-improvement scams.
If a contractor tells you he doesn't need a permit, that's a red flag. Permits are required for all significant construction jobs. Image: PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/Getty Images
The Top 5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. … (0 comments)
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How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. - 05/02/10 08:45 PM
How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.
You have options for recourse if a contractor disappears or does shoddy work, but which action to take depends on the particulars of your situation.
Keep a detailed log of the ways your contractor hasn't lived up to his responsibilities--it could come in handy later on. Image: Steven Errico/Photodisc/Getty Images
How To Fight Back Against a Bad Contractor. New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of … (0 comments)
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